Wow. I had a rough Sunday afternoon as my purse was stolen out of my car at my son's special needs baseball game. I know it was beyond STUPID to leave my damn purse in the car, but I did, and the car was not far where we were sitting. We literally were sitting less than 40 yards from the car and the game was less than one hour. But, the thief managed to shatter the driver's side window with one of those tools for shattering windows(and would you believe the sunroof was open?) and take my purse. No one saw or heard anything.

So, I did call the police and filed a report. Rushed home and started making the dreaded calls to credit card companies. Thank the Lord I only had only a debit and one credit card in my purse. Sure enough, pulled my credit card transactions online and there were charges at two gas stations in the neighboring state. I fully expected something like this. I called one of of the gas stations, and apparently this guy was calling his friends and pumping gas for other customers and racked up about $100 at one station. The attendant said that he was suspicious but really there was nothing he could do since they paid outside.

Okay, really am not overly concerned about the cash, credit cards, gift cards in my purse, but they also had a set of keys (house and my van) and very concerned about the med insurance cards which might have SS #s on them (my husband later confirmed that they didn't have SS #s on them). So, changed the locks to the house, so we are not too worried about that, but I suppose the van could at some point be stolen.

Anyway, I am upset and my world has turned upside down, but I am handling this ordeal, and even drove to one of the gas stations to look at camera footage. Unfortunately, we could see the car and make and the thugs, but could not make out the license number on the thief car. So, not sure if we can catch him.

I have never been through anything remotely like this in my life. Any words of experience or steps I should take would be appreciated.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

if it's any consolation: If they were using a window punch tool, it wouldn't have made a lot of noise. Those tools aren't much bigger than penlight flashlight. And since the glass is safety glass, it doesn't "shatter" per se. It's got the safety coating in it so it just kind of "cracks" and then falls out of the window.

I would suggest that you call all three credit bureaus and put a freeze on your credit.
I would also call your insurance company and have new ID cards issued. and have your account flagged as possible ID theft.
Contact the Social Security Dept. as well and get a new SSN issues, as well as having the old one flagged for ID theft.

I have to assume it feels horrible to feel that violated! ((HUGS))

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

My Mom had her purse stolen by a crackhead and it caused her all kinds of problems for months and months. Nobody seems to care enough to keep the person who is illegally spending a credit card or check or at the bank cashing an illegal check there until the police arrive. But with the help of my late cousin and other law enforcement we finally got the thief. My Mom never got her expensive purse back nor did she get the pictures in there some of which she has been carrying in her purse since the 50s.

It's a real mess.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I'm sorry to hear that op that stinks!

Maybe contact your local news if the gas station's got video footage? Our local news is really good about showing a few seconds of video of someone using stolen credit cards-gas station or drugstore, grocery, you name it..they will also post the videos onto their website.

I don't have any more helpful advice than what was given, but I'm sorry this happened to you.

It's sad we have to be so 24/7 aware and not let our guards down for a moment.

I hope everything works out for you completely and swiftly.

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Yep...mine was taken in the fall from under the seat in my locked van. I actually recovered everything except the cash the next day in the neighboring town (about 25 min. from where it was stolen). My kids, DH and I all had our SSN on an insurance paper in my purse. We flagged everyone's numbers and got my cards re-issued. I was "lucky" in that they never even attempted to use my credit cards or debit cards. I think you have most of the bases covered and have gotten good advice. The cops told me that even with the video from the gym and other info. that they would probably never find the kids. (we saw them on a video). That was code for , "Hey lady...even in this small town...we are far to busy to REALLY look into this." I understand how you feel....it sucks!