By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
Police are actively seeking a suspect following two purse snatchings last weekend.
Police said that over the April 30-May 1 weekend, two purses were reported stolen from customers of the Liberty Mall on Route 522 and Georges Road.
The first incident occurred at about 1 p.m. April 30 as a female victim had her purse in a shopping cart as she was leaving the Apna Bazaar Cash & Carry store in the mall when an unknown man grabbed her purse and ran away, Sgt. James Ryan said.
The suspect, described as a white, blond haired male that was about 6-foot tall with a medium build in his late teens or early twenties, ran from the scene towards Quincy Circle, according to Sgt. Ryan.
The other incident occurred at about 5 p.m. Sunday, Sgt. Ryan said.
The victim, who was shopping at the same store as the customer in the first incident Friday, had placed her purse on the ground as she loaded her car in the parking lot, and when she turned around the purse was not there, Sgt. Ryan said.
Sgt. Ryan said police believe the two incidents are related although a suspect was seen only during the first incident.
Sgt. Ryan said that the victim’s credit cards were reportedly not used, and that less than a total of $50 was stolen from both victims.
Residents should be aware of their surroundings, and should put their purse in the car first to keep an eye on it, Sgt. Ryan said.
Sgt. Ryan also said residents should not chase someone when their purse is snatched, but to get a good description of the person and call the police right away to follow up and track the suspect.
”No property is worth endangering your life,” Sgt. Ryan said.
The police would like anyone with information on these incidents to call 732-329-4646.

