South Bend, IN – Holiday shopping crowds are growing across St. Joseph County, and University of Notre Dame Police are warning the community about a rise in “distraction crimes” targeting shoppers both on and around campus this week.
According to Notre Dame Police, scammers are using coordinated tactics that pull attention away from personal belongings for just a split second. Officers say the scams often start with a sudden commotion, an “accidental” bump, or someone urgently asking to borrow a phone. Other incidents involve suspects crowding or rushing victims at ATMs or checkout lines.
Police said that while one person diverts attention, a second individual may quietly target a wallet, phone, or digital pay device. These incidents typically occur in busy retail aisles, parking lots, and high-traffic campus areas.
With holiday shopping already underway, Notre Dame Police are urging students, staff, and South Bend residents to stay alert, keep bags zipped and in front of them, and avoid being pulled into unexpected chaos. Officers stress that awareness remains the strongest defense against distraction-based theft.
The department also recommends maintaining distance when approached by strangers, monitoring ATMs for suspicious behavior, and immediately reporting any unusual interactions to campus or local authorities.
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a distraction crime near Notre Dame is encouraged to contact University Police or the South Bend Police Department.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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