Police investigate credit card thefts

Manassas City police are investigating a series of credit card thefts involving visitors and patients at Prince William and Potomac hospitals.

Police believe that at least two men have been hanging around the hospital lobby and seeking out elderly visitors and patients, Manassas police spokesman Sgt. Tim Neumann said.

In one recent incident, police said that the two men, both described as black men with medium to dark complexion, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches to 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 40 to 48 years old, entered Prince William Hospital separately on July 31.

One man sat next to the victim, described as an elderly woman, on the lobby bench, while the other man distracted the victim by pretending to have lost his contact lenses, police said.

The robbers then took the woman’s wallet, which contained credit cards and other documents, from her purse, Neumann said.

The credit cards were later used at various locations, police said.

Similar incidents occurred at the hospital during the summer and fall of 2007, police said.

Police believe that the same men stole credit cards from patients and visitors at Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge.

Manassas police ask that area residents be on the look out for the suspects, who many be driving a gray Chevy or Toyota.

If sighted, contact police at 703-257-8000 or 703-257-8049.

Manassas City Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in these cases. The 24-hour confidential tip line is 703-330-0330.