Women Suspected In School, Church Thefts

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ― Two women caught on camera while allegedly swiping wallets at an elementary school are suspected other thefts months ago at local churches.

The two suspects were recorded walking in and out of Thomas Edison Elementary School, where they walked into empty classrooms and stole wallets right out of teachers' purses while kids were still on campus, according to Principal Todd Lindeman.

"They really knew what they were doing," Lindeman said. "It's pretty low."

Sacramento authorities said the two women may be the same two suspects believed to be behind a major theft at the Arden Church of the Nazarene on Easter Sunday.

Seven months ago, two women who attended church services climbed through an office window and grabbed the collection plates, taking more than $17,000 meant to feed the hungry.

"Came through and decided to help themselves to our morning offering that day," said Pastor Leon Skinner. "We assumed you could trust everybody that walks through the doors."

Leaders at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, just a block away, believe one of the same suspects distracted a church school official while the other slipped into an office and stole cash several months ago.

Both churches and the school are on the lookout for the two suspects.

Authorities are asking anyone with information on the women to contact them.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)