A Sergeant in the CMPD Providence Division sent the following information regarding several recent robberies from person involving females being targeted and their purses taken.On two different occasions, women have been surprised while exiting their vehicles at their homes. In the first incident, a male suspect approached the woman as she exited her vehicle in the Stonebridge area. Another suspect waited nearby in a vehicle. The suspect was armed with a knife but did not harm the victim. A tag number was obtained but the tag did not match the car described.
In the second incident, the victim had been out shopping and was approached by the suspect as she exited her car in the Freedom Park area. She was shoved to the ground and no weapon was shown. The two suspects in both of those instances were black males driving a small red car, possibly a Toyota.
Police say they have also been informed of residents in the Stonebridge area and Myers Park observing suspicious persons that are very similar to those described above, but they have been seen in different vehicle types. One was described as a white Mercury Topaz and the other a white Buick Skylark.
In the past three days, police have responded to two other instances of women having their purses taken from them by a black male and female driving a small red, 4-door car- which may be a Toyota Tercel.
The first victim was approached and asked for directions. While standing near the car, the male grabbed her purse and the two suspects drove away. This happened in the Pinehurst Apartment Complex.
In the second instance, a male grabbed the victim’s purse while she walked down the sidewalk in the Elizabeth neighborhood. He then jumped into the suspect vehicle and sped away.
At this time, police do not have enough information to say if all of these incidents, some of these incidents, or none are related. CMPD is diligently investigating all of these incidents. As always, please call 911 whenever you observe anything suspicious.
CMPD encourages all residents to be mindful of vehicles that may travel behind them for an extended period of time, especially if they follow you down side streets and neighborhood streets that normally have little traffic.
CMPD SAFETY TIPS: If you believe there may be someone following you, do not drive down cul-de-sacs or streets with no outlet. Do not stop at your home. If you are close to a commercial establishment, such as a gas station, stop there and park as close to the entrance as possible. A place with other people around is what you’re looking for.
Another tactic would be to make a series of unlikely turns, essentially “circling the block.” If the vehicle continues to make the same series of odd turns, you can follow the suggestion above about going to a populated location and/or use a cell phone if available to call 911. If you call 911, remain on the line with the operator so we can be updated on your location.
When walking on a sidewalk or in a parking lot, always be aware of your surroundings. Hold your purse tightly. Be mindful of the deceptive tactic mentioned above of asking for directions or any attempts to lure you close to a vehicle.