CHAMPAIGN — Police are asking the public for help identifying a woman who they say stole purses from two people in June and later used them at stores in three area communities.

According to Champaign Police Detective Mark Huckstep, two people reported their purses stolen from their place of employment in the 1400 block of West Park Street, Urbana, on June 29.

Police said credit cards from the purses were used at a Walgreens in Urbana, Walmart in Champaign, Target in Champaign and Meijer in Champaign. Someone later attempted to use the credit cards to purchase gasoline in Mahomet.

Based on images from a security camera at Target released by the Champaign Police Department on Monday, police describe the thief as a black woman in her late 30s to mid-40s. She is between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall. She weighs between 180 and 200 pounds and has a stocky build.

Police said the woman was last seen wearing a black hat with her hair pulled back in a small ponytail.

The woman was last seen leaving Walmart in a light-colored Dodge Stratus from between 2000 and 2005.

Persons with information on the incidents can call Huckstep at 351-4545 or can remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crimestoppers at 373-8477. Tips can also be sent at http://www.373tips.com or by text by sending Tip397 plus the tip to CRIMES (274637).

The information you provide is confidential. You do not have to give your name or appear in court. Crimestoppers will pay a reward if the information you provide leads to an arrest for the crime. Cash rewards are also paid for information on other felony crimes or fugitives in the Champaign County area.