Cops Hunt Brighton Beach Purse Snatcher Who Preys On Elderly Women

The police are hunting a suspect believed to have robbed several elderly women in Brighton Beach.

The thief is described as a black male in his late teens or early 20s, of a light to medium build and between 5-foot-6-inches and 5-foot-9-inches, last seen wearing a white scarf obscuring his face.

The suspect is believed to be behind four purse snatchings in Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach since January 21, with all female victims aging in range from 61 to 79 years old.

Here’s a rundown of the incidents as well as some tips from Councilman Chaim Deutsch’s office:

The suspect began his robbery spree on January 21st, when he followed a 62-year-old woman into an elevator inside of a Brighton 12th Street building between Corbin Place and Oceanview Avenue at 3 pm.

The victim heard the suspect say, “It’s freezing out here,” before he snatched the purse from her shoulder.

On January 24th, the suspect followed a 75-year-old woman into a Brighton Third Street building between Brighton Beach Avenue and Bridgewater Court at 2:30 pm, running up behind the victim, before yanking the purse off her shoulder.

On January 25th, the suspect attacked a 61-year-old woman on Brighton Third Street near Brighton Beach Avenue at 9:30 pm, taking her purse.

… A more recent incident occurred on February 5th, only this time the suspect attacked a woman in Manhattan Beach, within the confines of the 61st Precinct.

The victim, a 79-year-old woman, told police that she was on Beaumont Street near Hampton Avenue at 3 pm, when the suspect approached and grabbed her hand bag, before making his escape.

… In addition, Councilman Deutsch is providing the public with tips in order to help them avoid theft and also to help the public provide police with information in the event that theft occurs.

•     The suspect is targeting elderly women, and usually operates during the late afternoon, or early evening. If you feel that you’re being followed, or you notice anything suspicious, call police immediately.

•     If you have been the victim of a robbery, do not hesitate to call police. If your phone has been taken from you, or you do not have a phone, go to a neighbor or nearby store.

•     Do not struggle with the suspect, or incite him to violence in any way.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website, or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.