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3 police departments searching for suspected pickpocket

WATERTOWN, Mass. — An unknown suspect caught on surveillance video is wanted by three local police departments: Watertown, Cambridge and Brookline.

All of them tell FOX25 he’s stolen wallets from unsuspecting people and then gone on shopping sprees.

Cambridge resident Tracey Joi frequents Porter Square, where the man reportedly targeted a victim and then went shopping.

Police in Cambridge say he stole a wallet in a local restaurant and went right to work using a debit and credit card to purchase $750 worth of items.

“Extending your hand into someone’s pocket, it’s just a horrible thing,” said Joi.

Watertown police say he struck again there, grabbing an unsuspecting man’s wallet. The thief then went right to stores in Watertown and Brighton, racking up $1,500 in charges.

Somerville resident Austin Grimsman said he’s always checking to make sure his wallet and phone are safe.

“Just always thinking about what is in your pocket and what isn’t,” Grimsman said.

He said he’ll probably take more precautions with this guy lurking around.

The suspect struck a third time in Brookline, with the same MO. He steals a wallet and then uses the credit cards right away before the victim realizes it.

“That makes me sad and it actually makes me sad. I’m surprised he hasn’t been caught, because there are cameras everywhere,” Joi said.

That’s what police are banking on. They’ve caught him on surveillance video in clear images. So they’re hoping someone watching will recognize him.