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Police warn business owners, especially women who bring purses to work...

Lock up your purse while at work...

Crews of thieves prey on business owners and store clerks in the Fashion District and Jewelry District by distracting clerks in the store while an accomplice grabs the clerk's purse from behind the counter.

"This would not happen if clerks locked their purses in a desk or storage locker, out of sight," said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Central Detective Division.

Distraction thefts occur several times a week downtown, and "probably occur in many other places, too," Lt. Vernon explained.

"While your cameras are good and can be the eyes in the back of your head, they can only spot the thief after they've taken your purse."

Police recommend the following to business owners:

1. Install good quality cameras, and at least one at face height looking at persons enter or exit the store. In the event of a crime, this ensures you get a good facial shot of the crook.

2. Advertise on signs in the store that the premise is under surveillance.

3. Locate the video storage device off the premise so crooks can't take it.

4. Have trained staff who know how to download the video for police.

5. Train employees how to recognize unusual behavior, like robbers casing a store, distraction methods, and devices to boost (hide) merchandise during shoplifting attempts.

6. Arrange frequently stolen merchandise in areas and in ways that reduce the chance someone will try to steal it...e.g., alternating hangers on rack of expensive sweaters near the store's entry door.