Drive-by purse snatchings continue to target older Modesto women

Drive-by purse snatchings, primarily targeting older women, continue to occur, Modesto police reported Monday.

An alert posted on the Modesto Police Department’s Facebook page says six such incidents occurred from June 22 to Aug. 4.

In these cases, the driver of a car has grabbed the purse from the shoulder of the victim as she walked in a store parking lot.

Three of the recent thefts occurred at stores near Oakdale Road and Scenic Drive. One was at Roselle and Floyd avenues, one near Oakdale Road and Floyd Avenue, and one off McHenry Avenue north of Briggsmore Avenue.

Some of the women have been pulled to the ground and injured.

The thief has been described as a Caucasian or Latino male in his early 20s, driving a light-colored midsize sedan.

Police advise:

▪ Avoid carrying a purse if possible. Instead, put cash, credit cards and identification in a front pocket.

▪ If you need to carry a purse, keep it secure across your body and on the side opposite of passing traffic.

▪ Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

▪ Help prevent others from being victimized by immediately reporting suspicious activity or people to police.

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 10:41 AM with the headline "Drive-by purse snatchings continue to target older Modesto women."