As a recent spike in "distraction theft" cases plagues Utah, authorities expose the involvement of interstate crime groups, predominantly from Romania and South America. These criminals travel across state lines to target unsuspecting shoppers at grocery stores, retailers, and restaurants.
Interstate crime groups, often affiliated with criminal organizations in Romania and South America, have descended upon the quiet Utah town of St. George, perpetrating a string of "distraction thefts" targeting unsuspecting shoppers. Over the past year, St. George has witnessed 37 such incidents, raising concern among local law enforcement and residents.
Interstate Crime Rings Target Utah Shoppers with 'Distraction Theft'
Sgt. Zack Bahlmann of the St. George Police Department describes the modus operandi of these groups: "Two or three suspects enter a business establishment, identify a target with an accessible purse or wallet in their shopping cart, and engage them in conversation or ask questions about products to divert their attention."
While one suspect engages the victim, another accomplice discreetly removes items from the shopping cart, exploiting the victim's distracted state. Bahlmann highlights the brazenness of these criminals, stating, "It's pretty astonishing that they're so bold."
Interstate Crime Rings Target Utah Shoppers with 'Distraction Theft'
In a recent case, Colombian nationals Jairo Gavida-Monroy and Andres Fabian Villanueva-Rodriguez were apprehended after a months-long investigation. Surveillance footage captured the duo stealing a woman's purse from her shopping cart at a home improvement store. The victim's bank cards were used to make fraudulent purchases shortly after the theft.
Bahlmann emphasizes the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across the country in tracking the movements of these interstate crime groups. "We have really worked to build our investigative network because of the transient nature of these crimes," he said.
Interstate Crime Rings Target Utah Shoppers with 'Distraction Theft'
Villanueva-Rodriguez is currently incarcerated in Wisconsin, while Gavida-Monroy is back in custody in Washington County, Utah. They face multiple felony charges, including theft and unauthorized use of an individual's personal identifying information.
Another common tactic employed by interstate criminals is "shoulder surfing" at self-checkout lines in grocery stores to steal customers' PINs. They then approach their victims, claiming they dropped a sum of money, and surreptitiously steal their wallets or purses.
Interstate Crime Rings Target Utah Shoppers with 'Distraction Theft'
According to the Utah Attorney General's Office, approximately 30% of cases received by its Economic Crimes Task Force involve domestic and international travel theft groups. These groups typically target residents of Southern Utah, Las Vegas, and Boise, Idaho, as they travel towards the Pacific Northwest.
Jason Chaffetz, a former U.S. representative from Utah, suggests that these criminals choose Utah because it is "not used to these big-city crimes." He believes they prey on the naivete of the population, assuming they can evade prosecution.
Interstate Crime Rings Target Utah Shoppers with 'Distraction Theft'
However, Chaffetz warns that Utah has a strict approach to crime, and the state will not hesitate to incarcerate and prosecute offenders. "Beware, they think [all of] America is like California, but it's not," he said.
The St. George Police Department is considering forming a task force to combat interstate crime rings and is seeking longer jail sentences for perpetrators to deter future offenses.
