Greece, N.Y. - Police are investigating a series of purse snatchings which began after Thanksgiving and may be the work of the same man.
“He’s obviously staking out certain areas looking for a particular type of person who’s an easy victim,” said Pat Phelan of the Greece Police Deaprtment.
Phelan said all six of the victims have been elderly, in each of them confronted in a parking lot.
“On a few occasions the victim had set the purse down in the shopping cart or car. On other occasions they were taken directly from the person,” said Phelan. He added in one case the woman was pushed to the ground. She was shaken up but not injured.
The incidents have occurred in all areas of the town including Aldis, Wegmans, and Tops parking lots. Two of the incidents were outside apartment buildings.
Police have only a vague description. The man is 5’6” to 5’7”, 165 to 170 pounds, with a medium build and brown hair. They have released the description to remind women to be aware of who is standing around them or their car.
“Pick your parking spots well,” said Phelan. He suggests well-lit areas near the door. “It’s also good not to travel alone if you don’t have to,” he says.
If you have any information that could help police you are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 585-428-9300.
