By John Howell

By the time Jim Scott discovered his wallet was missing thieves had made over $3,000 worth of purchases dollars on his stolen credit cards, Batesville Police Detective Lt. George Williford said.

Williford has provided two photos from security cameras seeking the public’s help to identify the suspects believed responsible for using the stolen cards.

The detective said that victim Scott parked his unlocked car at Panola Country Club on that Friday at the beginning of the Labor Day weekend.  

Scott said that whoever targeted his vehicle knew that he would be away from it for several hours while he played golf.

“They stole the credit cards and used them immediately at the local Walmart and Lowes,” Williford said. “He cancelled them that afternoon, so they didn’t have much time.

Williford said thieves used the cards primarily to purchase gift cards. The gift cards cannot be traced, according to the detective.

The credit card issuers will bear the loss from the fraudulent charges, Scott said. Other items taken in the wallet include Scott’s driver’s license, hunting license, Social Security card and a checkbook, he said.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects or who has other information that could be helpful to police is urged to call the Batesville Police Dept., 563-5653.