EAST WINDSOR, NJ — In recent weeks, East Windsor residents have experienced an influx of thefts, specifically modern pickpocketing, police said.

According to authorities, victims have had their wallets stolen while dining out, shopping at local businesses and from unlocked vehicles.

The suspect often racks up thousands of dollars in fraudulent credit card charges before the victims even realize their cards were stolen, police said.

“Sometimes individuals pickpocket in teams of two or three, which often involve female accomplices. One or two individuals will engage with and distract the victim, while another individual removes the unsuspecting victim’s valuables,” police said on Facebook.

The police department has shared some safety tips with residents to protect against similar theft:

Tips for women

• Do not carry your wallet in your purse. Conceal it in a buttoned or zippered pocket where it doesn’t show a bulge.
• Use a purse that is difficult to open. A purse with a zipper or snaps is best.
• If you are carrying a shoulder bag, place the strap(s) diagonally across your body, as opposed to carrying it on one shoulder. This keeps the purse in front of you, instead of at your side or behind you, which sometimes happens with purses with long straps.
• If you are carrying a handbag, then make sure to hold it close to the front of your body, instead of holding it on your wrist or loosely in your hand.
• Never leave your purse unattended on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.

Tips for Men

• The target areas are back trouser pockets, and suitcoat and sports jacket pockets, located both inside and out.
• If you have to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned jacket, coat or pants pocket, be sure it holds only what you can afford to lose. Keep large sums of money, credit cards, IDs, in the front pocket or any buttoned or zippered pocket.
• Never pat your pocket to see if your wallet is there; this lets a criminal know the exact location of your valuables.
• Larger-size “pocket secretaries” are particularly inviting to pickpockets, and relatively easy to steal.