RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 2, 2010, Cover Stories, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Mugging attempt in Baldwin
Most recent attempt made in Baldwin.
Nassau police Robbery Squad detectives are investigating an attempted Robbery that occurred on Tuesday, November 30, at 7 p.m. in Baldwin.
At that time, according to detectives, the 56-year-old victim, while exiting her vehicle, was approached and grabbed from behind in her driveway by a man who attempted to take her handbag off her shoulder.
During a struggle, the victim was able to fend off the robber and keep her handbag. The robber then fled the scene on foot. During the altercation, the victim suffered pain and tenderness to her left wrist and refused medical aid at the scene.
The robber is described as a male in his early 20’s, 5’7” to 5’8” tall, thin build, medium complexion and was clean shaven. The subject was wearing a blue or black sweatshirt with white lettering on the front, dark blue jeans and a dark-colored baseball hat.
Investigating detectives state this incident matches a pattern of robberies in the area.
Anyone with information regarding this attempted Robbery is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
Nassau County Detective Lieutenant Kevin Smith spoke with Merrick Life on Friday about a rash of purse snatchings happening in the Bellmores, Merricks, Wantagh, East Meadow and Levittown that began October 22.
The purse snatchers appear to be black teens wearing dark clothing who drive in what Nassau police believe is a dark-colored Toyota Camry-style vehicle with what appears to be primer paint on the driver’s side.
The purse snatchings usually take place after dark, between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The victims are generally the elderly, but the pattern changed Thursday evening when two young women were accosted by the purse snatchers in North Bellmore and in North Merrick, the detective told Merrick Life.
In the attempted robbery in North Bellmore, a 29-year-old woman was walking home on Bellmore Avenue from the Bellmore train station and was approached by a man from behind, who grabbed at her purse and tried to remove it from her shoulder. The victim screamed, and the attacker fled.
In North Merrick, a 37-year-old woman was accosted at home on Grand Avenue after riding her bicycle from the Merrick train station, and securing her purse. A man approached her and knocked her down, but fled the scene without taking her purse.
“These are robberies, and injuries could result,” Detective Smith said.
Tips
While the elderly may be easier targets, he offers tips to all women to be on the lookout and be vigilant in the face of these purse-snatchers. “Beware of who is walking behind you at all times, and don’t wear earphones,” he said.
He added to check in your rearview mirror if you are being followed, as several victims were accosted when getting home and out of their cars. “They may be watching women as they get into cars at stores they’ve been at, and follow them home,” he said.
