NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  Thursday, May 19, 2005

HARTFORD POLICE IDENTIFY SUSPECT WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH SERIES OF THEFTS.

(Hartford) - Police have identified Noreen Whippie, DOB  12/7/70, as a suspect in a series of purse thefts, possibly as many as fifteen (15), that have occurred over the past few weeks in the Frog Hollow and Southend neighborhoods.  Detectives of the HPD's Major Crimes Division secured an arrest warrant for Whippie today.

Whippie, described as a white female, 145 pounds, 5' to 5'4", with blue or light colored eyes, is known to have changed the color of her hair from blonde (in early May and April) to dark hair with red streaks.  Victims have reported the suspect gaining entry to their homes using a variety of stories, such as identifying herself as a nurse or asking if an apartment is for rent, but mostly posing as a Health Care Aide.  Once she would  gain access to their homes she would steal the victim's purse. 

Detectives of the Hartford Police Major Crimes Division and officers of the HPD's Crime Analysis Unit recently  identified a pattern of these thefts and provided profile and M.O. information for HPD officers and citizens to be on alert.  Anyone with information on Whippie's whereabouts, or anyone who may also have been a victim, are asked to contact HPD Major Crimes Detective Frank Bruskey at (860) 527-6300, extension 5218.

Wanted flyer for Whippie, with photo.

Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
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