Darcy Spencer has the latest on mourners whose cars have been targeted while visiting a local cemetery.
Mourners visiting loved ones' graves and attending burial ceremonies have been the target of a series of thefts at the Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Prince George's County.
More than one dozen mourners have had items taken.
The last theft took place Dec. 14, when a woman at the cemetery for a burial service had her purse stolen from her car. Police said the thief used the victim's credit card for a shopping spree.
The thefts have disturbed residents.
"I think that's ludicrous," said Angela Hinnant, whose grandparents are buried in the cemetery. "It shows a lack of character."
In response to the crimes, the cemetery installed surveillance cameras, hired off-duty police officers and plans to post signs warning mourners to keep their valuables with them.
County police are investigating whether the thefts could be related to some similar incidents at National and Lincoln cemeteries in Suitland last summer.
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"We have no indication that it's an organized ring of sorts," said PFC. Michael Owen, of the Prince George's County Police. "However ... we are looking in to ... all of the other cases."
Police are asking anyone who might recognize the woman suspected in the Dec. 14 theft to call 301-352-1200.
