Beth, the reason that they dump the wallet is so that it can't be traced back to them. I had my wallet stolen once, and the police did catch the girl (btw, it was stolen at a party given for my friend for getting on the local police force, and the party was crawling with cops. How's that for irony??), but I didn't have to ID her or anything because she took a plea bargain.

She was charged with a felony because, even though she didn't try to use them, she still had my credit cards on her. If she had taken the cash and dumped the wallet, then she would have gotten away with it. How's that for stupid???

Btw, I don't know about your experience, but I found the folks at all the credit card companies to be extremely helpful and very compassionate. Many of them even inquired if I had been injured, and did I need medical assistance.

Please, please, please, get a locksmith to your house ASAP. You never know...