Pickpockets target Radnor Township restaurant

RADNOR TWP., Pa. - July 26, 2012

The Nova Grill on Lancaster Avenue is one place the thieves managed to steal credit cards from customers.

Radnor Township police are warning customers as they search for these suspects, concerned that more people could be targeted.

Police released surveillance video of the two suspects as they casually walked into Nova Mediterranean Grill on Lancaster Avenue last week.

Police say the sneaky suspects purposely chose to eat at a table where they could inch closer to unsuspecting victims and casually steal from a purse which hung on the back of a chair.

"You see activity of them removing credit cards and then returning the wallet to the respective bags," described Lt. Christopher Flanagan.

Police say the man on the right wearing a hat delivered hand signals to his buddy across the table so the thief knew when it was clear to strike. To police, these men were pickpocket professionals.

"It is because of practice that they're unfortunately very good at stealing credit cards," Lt. Flanagan said.

Police say it is the second time thieves have targeted this Radnor restaurant since May.

The cases seem identical so police believe the suspects are likely the same.

"When it happened the first time, I thought maybe they were passing by and then it happened a second time, and I thought what nerve," said Nova owner Costas Xinos.

The upset owner says he wants people to feel safe in his restaurant.

Customer Kristen Nothnagle knows theft can happen anywhere, so she takes precautions.

"At least if it's on the table, I can always see it so I always kept it on the table," she said.

"Actually I'm more careful when I'm in the city, but here I'm not," said Jeanette Madaya.

Police are warning people not to let their guards down.

"Make sure if you have zippers or snaps for your bag that you secure it properly," said Lt. Flanagan.

Radnor Township Police are asking anyone who can help them identify the suspects in the video to give them a call at 610-688-0503.

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