A White Rock woman who says the theft of her purse has resulted in bogus credit-card applications and the fraudulent redemption of her loyalty-card points is warning Peninsula residents that those responsible are still at large.
Kristin Adair, a plumber, told Peace Arch News her purse was stolen from her van in a daylight smash-and-grab around 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Martin Street and Thrift Avenue.
She acknowledged leaving her purse in the vehicle wasn't ideal, but noted her job makes it difficult to bring it with her on calls.
"What am I supposed to do, bring my purse in when I go in to fix somebody's toilet?"
Const. Shaileshni Molison confirmed last week that the theft is "still actively being investigated."
While Adair said she has heard of numerous similar incidents, Molison said police have not seen any unusual spike in vehicle break-ins or related identity theft.
Adair said she was alerted to the redemption of her loyalty-card points when she got a call from Airmiles regarding an order of a big-screen TV and speakers. She also learned her gas-card points were redeemed for lottery tickets, and that at least one credit-card application was made in her name.
While she was quick to take steps to counter further efforts to use her identity, "I'm getting phone call after phone call," she said.
"I just think White Rock should know… they just keep on striking and striking again."
Molison encouraged residents to remove all valuables when leaving their vehicles unattended.