Vancouver – Vancouver Police have released images and video of a suspected purse-snatcher, and ask anyone who recognizes him to contact police.
“This man is a suspect in a number of robberies and attempted robberies of women throughout the city,” says Constable Tania Visintin. “Through our investigation, we have obtained clear video and pictures of the suspect, and we’re asking anyone who knows him to come forward.”
A 47-year-old woman was approached from behind while walking near Pender and Hamilton streets, around 6 p.m. on February 5 by a man who tried to rip her bag off her arm. The woman fell to the ground, but managed to keep hold of her bag and call police, but the suspect fled.
Three weeks later, on March 15 at around 7:30 p.m., a 31-year-old woman was followed for several blocks near East 1st Avenue and Renfrew Street by a man she didn’t know. As he got closer to her, he approached from behind and used a large knife to cut her purse strap. After a brief struggle, the suspect fled with the purse.
VPD investigators have security video from a bus, as well as from a building security camera, that show what the suspect was wearing and what he looked like at the time of the March 15 offence.
Police are looking for a man 25-35 years old with a medium build. He has dark hair, a dark mustache, and a beard. He was wearing a dark-coloured Nike sweat suit, black and white runners, and a Toronto Raptors ballcap.
Investigators are looking in to possible links to other unsolved purse-snatchings.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect, or anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 604-717-0610.
