ERIE, Pa.—Police in and around Erie have charged a woman with stealing thousands of dollars from women who have left their purses unattended in grocery and discount stores.

Online court records don't list an attorney for 32-year-old Melissa Kopystecki (koh-puh-STEH'-kee) and her home phone was disconnected Wednesday.

But Erie police say Kopystecki has stolen from 11 women in stores in Erie and well as nearby Millcreek and Harborcreek townships.

The Erie Times-News ( http://bit.ly/L11RAt) reports Wednesday the thefts range from $25 to $4,900 and occurred between May 23 and June 8.

Police say they identified Kopystecki using surveillance video in the stores. Her victims tended to be older women, ranging in age from 64 to 92.

Police have mailed Kopystecki court summonses to answer the charges at a preliminary hearing in September.

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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com