Number of victims grows in Chandler ID theft case

CHANDLER, AZ - Dozens more victims have been identified as police investigate an East Valley identify theft ring Monday morning.

Detective Ron Moore of the Chandler Police Department tells ABC 15 News that 90 victims have been confirmed, but the number could rise to 130 or more.

Originally only 17 victims were identified.

The investigation began in December of 2010, when purses were stolen from a number of unattended vehicles in daycare parking lots and city parks throughout Chandler.

Within days, the theft victims noticed inconsistencies with their checking accounts and credit cards.

Police say the thieves were using stolen IDs to cash phony checks.

Chandler police confirm the investigation spans multiple states.

Detective Moore says anyone who notices suspicious activity on their financial accounts should contact their bank immediately.

He also says a common denominator linked the victims: purses left in plain view inside vehicles.