Brighton police are seeking help identifying two women who they say stole credit cards from a downtown Brighton business employee and then charged more than $10,000.

Police said the two women entered the downtown Brighton store on Monday afternoon, and while one of them distracted the clerk, the other located the employee's purse and stole her credit cards.

The women then used the stolen cards to purchase more than $10,000 in gift cards at the Genoa Township Walmart, police said.

Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman said the theft follows a standard pattern that happens at retail establishments everywhere where two suspects work together, one distracts and the other steals.

Wightman said employee purses should be kept in a safe place, away from the front counter and preferably in a locked location. Businesses should also dial 911 if they feel someone is acting suspiciously.

The suspects are described as female, one black and one white, both in their late 20's or early 30's.

Police did not identify the business.

Anyone with information should contact the Brighton Police Department at 810-227-2700.

For questions on the police blotter, email nicole.krawcke@patch.com.