Veronica Robinson, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – The same woman may be responsible for stealing purses during services at about 10 churches in the D.C. area, authorities in Loudoun County say.

Purses have been stolen at churches in Bethesda, Md. and in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kraig Troxell says the suspect is taking advantage of a situation in which people feel their belongings are secure.

“Most people don’t know who’s supposed to be in what office and (she’s) doing basically a brazen act of walking into a church — a place you’ll think your items will be safe — and taking money and keys and some other items as well,” Troxell says.

The suspect is described as white, heavyset and about 5-feet-5-inches tall. Troxell says she may not be working alone.

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