Cops: We found your wallet, thief

IF A MASTER thief ever pens a guide on how to get away with the perfect crime, he'll surely include a footnote or two about Frederick Joseph Jones Jr.

It'll be a short entry, containing this crucial warning: Do not leave your wallet at the scene.

Jones, 28, made that critical mistake after he allegedly robbed a woman of $140 outside of an Upper Darby Wells Fargo Bank earlier this week, said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.

The police department summed up the situation in a tweet that read like an old telegram: "Mr. Fred Jones-good news-we found your wallet. Bad news-you dropped it at robbery scene. Please turn yourself in. TY [Thank You]."

As of yesterday, Jones was still on the lam, wanted by police on charges that included robbery, simple assault, theft and receiving stolen property.

Chitwood said the incident unfolded about 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, when Jones ventured into the Wells Fargo on Ludlow Street near Garrett Road.

"He's in there, scoping the place out. He doesn't do a transaction," Chitwood said, adding that bank-surveillance images show Jones talking briefly to a teller.

Chitwood said Jones spotted a 60-year-old woman who was using an ATM outside the bank.

She withdrew $140 in cash, and Jones allegedly pounced, struggling with the woman until he successfully wrestled away the money.

Jones took off. His wallet stayed behind.

Chitwood said police found Jones' ID in the wallet, and matched him to the surveillance footage. An eyewitness also identified him as the thief.

Jones previously lived in Roxborough, but is now believed to be homeless. He had prior arrests on burglary and theft charges, Chitwood said.

Tipers may can contact Upper Darby police at 610-734-7684.