Increase in Thefts in Lethbridge with Focus on “Tap” Cards

LETHBRIDGE – Lethbridge Police are warning that thefts are up and debit and credit cards with the “tap” feature are being targeted

Overall thefts, including thefts from vehicles, thefts over and under $5,000 and shoplifting, are up significantly from the same period last year. In June, there were 384 theft reports compared to 241 in June of 2015.

Police remind you that thieves will steal anything of value, especially items that can be sold or traded for drugs, but debit and credit cards with the flash feature are especially sought after and should never be left unattended in a vehicle or any other unsecure location.

The tap feature, which uses technology that allows cardholders to make contactless payments instead of entering a PIN or signing a receipt, makes the cards particularly vulnerable to theft and misuse and while most financial institutions do set transaction and daily limits for tap purchases, in most cases criminals have been able to use the cards for multiple purchases before they are reported stolen.