South Miami Police are on the hunt for two alleged purse snatchers who appear to have targeted an elderly woman at a local restaurant, in a crime caught on surveillance camera. Sgt. Fernando Bosch voiced his concern that these suspects might have struck before and could potentially target new victims, as reported by CBS News Miami.
The duo was filmed entering the establishment around 2:11 p.m. the Saturday before Christmas, scouting for potential victims at the bar before sitting near the elderly woman and stealthily taking her purse. "At one point on the video, you see the man in the baseball cap scoping out the restaurant looking for victims," Bosch recounted in a statement obtained by CBS News Miami. Following the theft, the suspects made off with an $8,000 purse, along with the victim's credit cards, documents, and cash, and were reported to quickly utilize the stolen credit cards.
According to Bosch's observation, the suspects were in the restaurant for a mere five minutes, indicating the possibly skilled nature of their operation. "These guys could be from out of town going from different states and cities committing crimes," he suggested, hinting at a wider crime pattern. The police have released the footage in an appeal for assistance to identify the suspects, urging anyone with information to reach out.
Local resident Maria Arencibia emphasized the need for vigilance in safeguarding one's belongings, recounting a past incident where her purse was almost stolen at a bookstore. "Someone just took it and walked off as naturally as you could imagine. So you have to be careful," Arencibia told CBS News Miami. She advised patrons to use hooks under tables or to keep purses in sight to prevent such incidents.
Sgt. Bosch also offered preventative advice, urging people to be more aware of their surroundings and to keep an eye on their property when dining out. "A lot of women put their purses behind their chairs. We would like everyone to be more aware of their surroundings and aware of who is sitting behind them," he stated. The South Miami Police have asked anyone who recognizes the purse snatchers to call them at (305) 663-6301 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477). The incident and law enforcement's call for public assistance were also shared on X by CBS Miami.
South Miami Police: Purse snatchers caught on camera may have struck before https://t.co/KdWkixNM8U
— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) January 3, 2024
