Thieves target moms dropping off children at daycare by Bryan Baker WHAS11.com Posted on January 28, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated yesterday at 12:04 AM LOUISVILLE, Ky (WHAS11) – Thieves have targeted busy moms at least three times at day-cares in Pleasure Ridge Park, according to one victim. The thieves are breaking into cars by smashing windows while the mothers are inside to pick up or drop off their children.
The last place Marie Priddy expected to be the victim of crime this week was her son's church daycare in PRP.
"I didn't think it could happen to me," said Priddy. "[It happened] within a minute - I'm like, 'Really?'"
It did not take long to make the trip in and out. But the effect of what happened next is lingering.
"The teacher runs out and says, 'Do you drive a white Acura?' I said, 'Yes.' 'Someone just stole your purse.' I'm like, 'You've got to be kidding me!' I run outside - the window's busted and they're gone," recalls Priddy.
She says the thief cashed in by ringing up hundreds of dollars on her and her husband's credit cards before she could report them stolen. Also inside the purse were her identification, house key, and home alarm code.
"When it happens you just feel totally violated," adds Priddy.
Louisville Metro Police Lieutenant Lori Phillips says Marie was not an intended target but made herself one by attracting potential criminals. Victims often leave valuables in plain sight or do something more daring.
"The individual sees the car left running," says Lt. Phillips, "They try the door lock. It's unlocked. Now they've got a car to ride around in all day. It's an opportunity crime, any crime is."
Marie says her sister-in-law's purse was also swiped in a car outside another daycare this month. They are not the only daycare moms who appear to be taunting thieves.
"They leave their car running, they leave their purse in there, they leave their cell phones, they leave everything in there," observes Priddy.
Police point to people being in a rush or thinking it cannot happen to them.
Go to
www.louisvilleky.gov/metropolice to sign up for emails tracking crime in your neighborhood or click on the "Map Crime" icon for more.
