The Region - News from March 4, 1987

Sophisticated thieves in the San Fernando Valley are stealing women’s purses by pretending to steal their cars, police reported. Detectives said at least 20 women, including actress Morgan Fairchild, have been decoyed from their cars along Ventura Boulevard by bandits who fake minor accidents with stolen vehicles and drive away in the women’s vehicles when the victims get out to inspect the damage. The cars are usually recovered in very little time--but purses left on the seats have been emptied. Sgt. Dean Skinner said “bump-and-run” incidents have been reported from Studio City to Woodland Hills, and urged women to exercise “common sense,” taking their purses with them if they have to get out of their cars.