APD Needs Help Finding Purse Snatchers

AUSTIN, TX - Austin Police need the public's help in trying to catch purse snatchers that have been targeting residents at grocery store parking lots all over Austin.

Police say the suspects are responsible for a series of purse snatchings that have occurred over the past two months. Five cases have been reported where woman had their purses stolen out of their shopping carts while they are loading groceries into their vehicles. None of the victims have been injured.

Suspect descriptions have been vague in all the cases, but the victims did obtain a suspect vehicle description.

Black 1999 Mazda Texas LP-BJ2J874
Black 1996 Acura Texas LP-NJX878
Red Chevrolet Malibu

To minimize the chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime, the Austin Police
Department suggests the following:

Be aware of your surroundings before you unload your groceries. If you see
someone following you, go back into the store and call 911.

Once at your car, put your purse in the car before your groceries.

If your purse is snatched, do not try to grab for the purse. Also be sure to call 911
immediately and then notify your financial institutions.

Anyone with information is asked to call the North Bureau Detectives at 512-974-
5749, Crimestoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text TIP103 to CRIMES (274637).