Updated: Police Identify Woman Accused of Taking Wallet at Shaw’s

Plaistow Police, using surveillance video, have identified a Lynn woman accused of taking an unattended wallet and later using the credit cards within, and expect to issue an arrest warrant.

A warrant for a charge of misdemeanor theft is pending against Sandra Elderd, age not listed, from Lynn, according to a statement from Plaistow police. Police credit anonymous tips from the public and the help of the media in finding the woman after a Shaw’s, State Line Plaza, Plaistow, customer reported unintentionally leaving her wallet next to a store cash register July 15. The customer quickly realized her wallet was missing and returned to the store.

Store video reportedly shows the person next in line at the checkout “concealing the wallet from the cashier then putting it in her Shaw’s bag and leaving with it,” according to police. Credit cards from the wallet were used in Lynn and Salem shortly afterward.

Police said the suspect is a white female, 35 to 50 years old, with brown curly, long hair. She was also described as having heavyset build, average height and wearing a wolf t-shirt. She purchased Marlboro cigarettes.

Handbag Thief Issues Apology

Also, Plaistow police report help from the public and media identified an unnamed Salem, N.H., woman as the suspect who took a handbag from an elderly female at Walmart, Route 125, July 9.

“This woman was not criminally charged. The victim was given a written apology and reimbursed,” a Plaistow police spokesperson said.