In the last 48 hours, there have been three purse snatchings in broad daylights across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Even with witnesses watching, the thieves are showing no fear and police are warning women to be alert at all times.
The latest attack took place in Hialeah Thursday and happened in front of several witnesses.
“I hear this old lady screaming and we see the car move and the alarm go off,” said Joel Roig, who witnessed the Hialeah crime. “He pushed her into a truck. When I came to look, she said he took the chain and her neck is all red. He bolted and I ran behind him.”
In a Plantation robbery on Tuesday, robbers stole the victim’s purse and then immediately used a credit card from the purse at a Popeye’s restaurant in Liberty City. In a purse snatching in Miami Beach, a woman fought back and was dragged around and roughed up, but managed to keep her purse.
Still, police said the best thing to do if someone is trying to rob you is to not fight back.
“Never resist. I know you reaction is to resist a robbery, don’t resist,” said Carl Zogby of Hialeah Police. “Give up your property, especially if you’re not carrying anything of value, which is the right advice. You won’t have to worry about it and no one gets hurt.”
Zogby also said it’s key to never let your guard down whether you are at work, home, or anywhere in between.
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“You can be a victim of a crime any time, day or night, any neighborhood,” said Zogby. “You have to be careful all the time now. It’s a matter of being alert and vigilant at all times, day or night.”
Police also said it’s a good idea not to carry around a big purse because it can be a big target as thieves may assume you have a lot inside of that purse.
