A series of drive-by purse snatchings hit Langley parking lots over March, say local RCMP.
The victims have for the most part been people loading groceries from buggies into their vehicles, said Cpl. Holly Largy, spokesperson for the Langley RCMP. There were nine thefts reported in all.
The crooks have cruised past their victims and simply lifted the purse from the grocery cart, Largy said.
Generally, the suspects don’t even get out of their vehicles, Largy said.
“The suspects and suspect vehicles for these thefts have varied,” Largy said.
Victims have reported a 19-year-old man in a black hoodie, a Caucasian woman in her mid-20s with brown curly hair, and two young men, depending on the incident.
Vehicles have included a small black car, a black pickup, a newer-model white Jeep, and a dark grey imported hatchback.
Fortunatley, Largy said no one was injured, and most of the victims have been able to quickly cancel their stolen credit and debit cards and cellphones.
The incidents should remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings, and in particular to secure possessions before starting to unload the groceries, Largy said.
