RSS 2.0 FeedNovember 18, 2010, Cover Stories, Bellmore Life
Be on the lookout!
Nassau police provide tips to prevent being a victim of purse snatchers
Nassau County Detective Lieutenant Kevin Smith spoke with Bellmore Life this afternoon 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 victims are generally the elderly, but the pattern changed last night when two young women were accosted by the purse snatchers in North Bellmore and in North Merrick,” the detective lieutenant told Bellmore Life.
In the attempted robbery in North Bellmore, a 29-year-old woman was walking home from the Bellmore train station and on Bellmore Avenue, when she 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 Lieutenant Smith said.
Tips
While the elderly may be easier targets, he offers several 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.
If you have any information on the crimes or information about the perpetrators you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All calls will remain confidential, police said.
