AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Austin Police Department announced Thursday that it needs help identifying a woman and a person of interest linked to two theft cases targeting elderly shoppers. Investigators said more than $70,000 was stolen from the victims in the two cases.

The thefts occurred on Feb. 23 and Feb. 25 in West Lake Hills, West Austin and Northwest Austin. In February, the suspect stole wallets while victims were shopping, then used stolen credit cards, bank information and a fake ID to make large withdrawals.

In one case, investigators said the woman withdrew more than $20,000 from multiple banks. On Feb. 23, she withdrew thousands of dollars at a Frost Bank at 2425 Exposition Blvd. around 2:30 p.m. and at a Frost Bank at 5656 Bee Caves Road around 4 p.m. According to the department, the woman impersonated the victim by using stolen bank account information and a fake ID that featured her photo alongside the victim's details.

On Feb. 25, a victim shopping at a Randalls at 5311 Balcones Drive had a wallet stolen from her purse. Investigators said the woman and a person of interest later used the stolen wallet to take more than $50,000 after visiting two banks and a Best Buy.

The suspect is described as a white woman in her early 60s to early 70s, about 160 pounds, with medium-length gray hair and glasses. The person of interest is described as a white man in his 30s or 40s with a heavy build. Police believe the suspects were driving a white Mazda SUV.

Detectives urged the community to stay alert, keep purses zipped and in front of them, avoid placing purses in shopping carts or secure them if they do, and never leave purses unattended. The investigation into these cases remains ongoing.

Anyone with information may submit a tip anonymously by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.