New photos of men accused of stealing a wallet at Gastonia Publix

GASTONIA, NC — Police are asking the public to be vigilant after three men are accused of working together to rob unwary individuals.

Gastonia police surveillance video shows a woman shopping at Publix on Hoffman Road. She can be seen turning to the right and then a man wearing a baseball cap, purple shirt and medical face mask can be seen taking her wallet from the purse she had in her shopping cart.

The three men disappeared before the woman realized what had happened, police said.

Shortly afterward, the men were seen at an area Home Depot. Surveillance video from the store shows a man in a blue hoodie appearing to distract employees, Gastonia police said, while another man purchases gift cards at the self-checkout counter.

According to police, the men purchased gift cards totaling $2,850.48 in three transactions.

“These crimes can happen anywhere, in any retail store,” Gastonia police said.

Police advise people to keep their bags closed, not leave their valuables out of sight, be aware of people loitering near them and carry as little cash as possible in their wallets.

RELATED TOPICS: Police crack down on organized retail crime in Gaston County

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