2 distraction theft suspects arrested after using stolen credit cards in North Naples

Two people were arrested Thursday as suspects in a distraction theft after deputies say they used stolen credit cards at retailers in North Naples.

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, detectives arrested Angel Alayo-More, 27, of Miami, and Merly Durand-Moyre, 40, of New York, minutes after they stole a woman’s wallet and then used her credit cards to make thousands of dollars in purchases.

The victim was backing out of her spot in the Costco parking lot at 6275 Naples Blvd. when a man later identified as Alayo-More started pounding on her car window. He pointed to the back of her car and said the words “leaking” and “mechanic.” The victim got out to look while Alayo-More continued to repeat himself. She returned to her car and drove to the car wash across the street where she realized her wallet was missing.

The wallet had been inside her purse on the front passenger seat. She returned to Costco to report the theft.

CCSO detectives happened to be inside the store investigating a previously reported distraction theft. They rushed to the parking lot and quickly detained Alayo-More, but his accomplice escaped.

While this was happening, the victim got word her credit card was just used to purchase nearly $4,000 in computer equipment at the Best Buy next door. Deputies arrived at Best Buy just as Durand-Moyre was leaving the store, pursued by loss prevention agents.

Durand-Moyre and Alayo-More were taken into custody. Detectives believe the pair are part of a larger group traveling across Florida and carrying out a distraction theft ruse. Both face multiple felony charges.

Usually, one of the thieves will point out an alleged mechanical problem on a vehicle. When the driver goes to look, an accomplice quickly swipes any purse or wallet left unguarded in the open vehicle.