GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Metro Grand Rapids authorities are warning women to watch out for purse snatchers after a series of robberies over about the last two weeks.
“It’s a traumatic experience for anybody,” Sgt. Dan Adams of the Grand Rapids Police Department said.
The Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming police departments and Kent County Sheriff’s Department have counted 10 such incidents since June 13. Adams said three of the thefts have happened at two different Meijer stores.
“They’re at the grocery store; they’re at the place where they should always feel safe,” he said. “They shouldn’t have to worry about such things.”
Investigators say the robbers look for women over the age of 50 who are alone in parking lots and who have their purses in their carts. They grab the purses and then take off.
“It looks like these guys are going for the less difficult cases when the purse is in the cart, even out of reach (of the owner), so it only takes second for one to happen,” Adams said.
In one case, authorities said, robbers stole a purse out of a woman’s hands. She tried to give chase but fell and hurt her hand.
“We prefer if people pay attention, get good information, good suspect description, license plates, if possible, things like that,” Adams said.
Police agencies on Tuesday released two surveillance photos — one showing suspects and the other their vehicle, hoping that someone would recognize the thieves.
A surveillance photo shows two suspects in a string of recent purse snatchings in metro Grand Rapids. 
A surveillance image of the vehicle involved in a recent string of purse snatchings in metro Grand Rapids.
If you know who they are or have any other information, you can contact:
- Wyoming Department of Public Safety: 616.530.7366
- Grand Rapids Police Department: 616.456.3380
- Kent County Sheriff’s Department: 616.632.6125
- Kentwood Police Department: 616.656.6600
- Silent Observer: 616.774.2345
