Police say there have been about a half dozen incidents over the past month at the Gateway Shopping Center along Route 202. Investigators say the suspects are skilled and move quickly, often targeting distracted shoppers.
"Mostly distraction based thefts where two actors would approach a victim," said Captain Tyler Moyer. "One will engage them in conversation while the other actor takes a phone or a wallet out of their purse that's usually in a shopping cart or hanging off the back of a chair in a restaurant."
Investigators say shoppers have been targeted at several businesses, including Trader Joe's, TJ Maxx and Panera Bread.
Some shoppers say the incidents have changed how they think about safety.
"I was horrified surprised it just put me on alert to be really careful," said Jane Klotzbach of Devon.
Others say they had not previously considered the risk.
"Thats awful I come here all the time I never worry about it. I'm probably more careless than I should be," said Alex Taylor of King of Prussia.
In at least one case, police say a stolen phone was already far from the area by the time the victim realized it was missing.
"They get out of the store quickly and usually before people realize things are missing, they're already over at the King of Prussia Mall charging items to their credit card," Moyer said.
Police are urging shoppers to take precautions, including keeping purses zipped and in their possession, avoiding leaving shopping carts unattended, and being cautious of strangers who approach them.
Police say similar thefts have been reported in nearby areas, including Upper Merion, and they are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies as the investigation continues.