ST. CLOUD, Minn.  — St. Cloud police say a gang of thieves hit a number of stores at a local mall, stealing credit and debit cards from mall workers.

Authorities tell KNSI-AM the thefts occurred Wednesday evening at the Crossroads Center mall.

Witnesses told police that two women would distract employees while a male accomplice sneaked into the stores’ back rooms and swiped the cards.

Police remind mall employees, and workers at all stores, to take extra precautions in storing their personal items when they’re at work.