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Girl helps catch purse thief

By Gazette News Services

GREAT FALLS -- A 16-year-old girl whose purse was stolen from a local pool conned the thief into giving it back and set her up to be caught by police at the same time.

The girl discovered her purse was missing on Friday afternoon. She kept a cell phone in her purse, so she called the number. Another girl answered.

They talked, and a negotiation ensued, police said. The alleged purse-snatcher said she would return the bag in exchange for $200, but its owner was able to negotiate that down to $50, said police officer Keith Perkins.

The owner of the purse called police to tell them of the planned exchange.
The girls met at an elementary school. After the alleged thief turned over the purse in exchange for an envelope, police took over.

The alleged purse-snatcher told police the purse had been taken by one of her relatives, a 10-year-old. Both were cited for accountability to theft and were released to guardians.

Published on Wednesday, May 31, 2006.
Last modified on 5/31/2006 at 12:15 am


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Uncommon Sense wrote on May 30, 2006 7:54 PM
Swwweeeeet!
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Good Common Sense wrote on May 30, 2006 9:53 PM
I would hope that many of us do have the courage and common sense as this young person. It reminds me of the time my friend went shopping at K-mart and one minute she turned to see a blouse on a rack and the next thing,,,her purse was snatched right out from her. She did loose her wallet, some money, driver's license and personal idems. She was unfornuate for this to happen. So I am glad this young person had common sense to do the right thing!!!
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AG wrote on May 30, 2006 11:46 PM
Good job!
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lm wrote on May 31, 2006 9:16 AM
Way to go girl!!! Way to keep your head and wits about you! You should be proud for not following into the "victim" mentality so many around us display. You and your parents should be proud of you!
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rezzer wrote on May 31, 2006 10:26 AM
Nice plan and way to get your purse back
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chele wrote on May 31, 2006 2:15 PM
right on!!!!!!!!!
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native lady wrote on May 31, 2006 4:29 PM
nice job i would have probably never fallen for that one!! just jks
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