Women Stop Suspected Purse Thieves in Milton
Published April 13, 2018 at 7:09 pm
Two “sharp-eyed” women are getting props from Halton police for stopping a purse-snatching outside of a Milton grocery store.
Two “sharp-eyed” women are getting props from Halton police for stopping a purse-snatching outside of a Milton grocery store.
It’s an “amazing example of citizens looking out for each other and being aware of their surroundings,” said Det.-Sgt. Dave Costantini.
“The quick actions of the witnesses in this case thwarted the theft.”
The incident took place on April 10.
Videos
That’s when a woman was shopping at Longos at 1079 Maple Ave. when two men tried to steal her purse in the parking lot at 2:31 p.m.
The victim was distracted by a male suspect as she left the store, while another male tried to lift her handbag.
But a pair of women in a nearby medical centre were watching.
They ran out yelling and screaming at the two men, who fled empty-handed.
Officers arrived, determining there were three suspects in total.
A third male was following the victim throughout the store and bumped into her with his cart, investigators allege.
He even went to the checkout with the victim and was using a cell phone and watching the woman as she paid for items, say police, before she was targeted outside.
“The witnesses made the right decision in not physically confronting these reprehensible perpetrators,” said Costantini.
“Making lots of noise and calling attention to the situation proved to be all that was needed in this situation.”
The suspects’ descriptions are as follows:
The first suspect has brown skin and black hair. He was wearing a light blue puffy jacket and dark ballcap. He spoke with an undetermined accent.
The second suspect has brown skin and black hair. He was wearing a red puffy jacket and dark ballcap with a Canada flag. He spoke with an undetermined accent.
The third suspect has brown skin, black hair, and wore a black baseball cap with a logo.
Anyone with information is asked to phone the 1 District criminal investigations bureau at 905-825-4747 ext. 2114.
Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- 477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca
PROTECT YOUR PURSE
- Leave your SIN card, passport and birth certificate at home.
- Keep your handbag with you at all times.
- Never leave your purse or wallet unattended.
- Keep purse zippers or snaps closed.
- Be extra vigilant in crowded locations.
- Keep your wallet at the bottom of your bag.
- Never write down PIN codes or passwords and keep them in your purse.
- Have a different PIN for each credit/debit card.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of money.
- Bring only what you need. Don’t carry extra cards or cash with you.
- Don’t get distracted. Thieves work in teams.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to police.
(Source: Halton Regional Police)
Photos via Halton Regional Police
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising