The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Police Department is seeking a female suspect who is believed to be responsible for at least three thefts from offices on campus that have resulted in the loss of thousands of dollars, officials said.

Officials describe the suspect as a white female, 25- to 35-years-old, with long dark hair. The woman is about 5-feet-9-inches or 5-feet-10-inches tall with a thin-to-medium build, and there may be a scar on the inside of her right wrist.

Officials also believe the woman may have an accomplice — a black male, 35- to 40-years-old, with a shaved head. The man is about 5-feet-9-inches to 6-feet tall, also with a thin-to-medium build. He may also be driving a four-door dark-colored car.

“(The) suspect may be casing the area for her next victim attempting to obtain the identification and credit cards of (a) victim that has a similar appearance,” UWM Police Det. Paul Sorrell said in an e-mail to various faculty members.

The suspect is stealing wallets and purses to obtain credit cards and using them to make purchases and receive cash, said Lt. Ernest Meress.

“She’s taking credit cards (and) using them right away at banks (and) gas stations,” he said.

The UWM Police Department sent the suspect’s information and picture to various state police agencies through what they call the “Milwaukee metro fraud group.” They have also warned area banks.

The police have since received feedback that indicates that thefts have also occurred at UW-Madison and Marquette University. The same suspect is believed to be behind them.

“Her information is all through the state of Wisconsin,” Sorrell said. “I guess it was sent to the Illinois fraud group too.”

The thefts on the UWM campus have occurred in offices in Curtin Hall, Enderis Hall and Johnston Hall.

To date, there have been more than 60 thefts from offices on campus since Jan. 1.

Meress said people should be careful and protect their belongings.

“Lock your stuff up,” he said. “Lock your office. It only takes a couple seconds. … Lock purses, backpacks, offices — even if you go for a minute.”

He also recommends that other valuables be kept out of plain view.

Anyone who recognizes this woman should report to the police, and those reporting have the option of remaining anonymous, Meress said.

He said people should use the 9-911 number to report suspicious persons to the UWM Police because when that number is dialed, officers can be on the scene within a few minutes, greatly increasing the potential of catching possible criminals.

“If someone sees anyone suspicious, call us,” Meress said. “Even if you think something’s going on, call us.”

Sorrell is hopeful that with the suspect’s information out in the open, people will be on alert for her and her accomplice.

“Hopefully with her description out there, somebody’s going to recognize her,” he said. “Obviously, this isn’t their first time being in trouble.”

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