Police: Purse snatchers likely targeted IDs over money

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - An undercover sting caught a couple of alleged purse snatchers and it turns out these thieves weren't just interested in stealing the purses. It was something inside of those purses that they wanted to get their hands on.

DeKalb County police said the thieves targeted cars in parking lots that had purses visibly in the front or backseat. They were more likely looking to steal identities than cash. An undercover sting at this L.A. Fitness led police to two men: Kenneth Jackson and Terrance Henley, not to mention a ton of purses.

“This is a good catch to be able to get them off the streets,” said Shiera Campbell, DeKalb County Police Department.

After several incidents of car break-ins in the area, police went to the L.A. Fitness on Church Street and waited. Police said they saw the two men enter a car in the parking lot and then followed the two men. Once they got back into their own car, officers initiated a traffic stop. That's when they discovered bag after bag stuffed into the back of their getaway car. Police sent photos showing at least 14 handbags and purses with wallets and ids.

Police believe the thieves wanted the purses to get to the wallets and the women's driver's licenses. Investigators believe mostly it's for identity theft.

And they didn't stop in Georgia. Police traced some of the bags found all the way to Illinois. The two men are charged with theft by receiving stolen property and entering auto, both felonies. They could potentially also have identity theft charges depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Police want to remind the public not to leave any items visible in your car when you get out because when criminals see a bag or a wallet, it's essentially an invitation for them to take.