Friday, May 14, 2010

Male Arrested for Purse Snatching Robbery

40 year-old Bryan Pennett of 75 St. Georges Avenue East was arrested on the 13th of May at 7:46 pm on Dennis Street and charged with one count of robbery and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. It is alleged that on the 13th of May at 7:35 pm the accused along with another unknown female, stole a purse from an elderly female while at the Station Mall. The victim was sitting on a bench in the west portion of the mall when the two approached her and attempted to grab her purse. The victim attempted to hang on to it, but a struggle ensued and the female suspect ripped it away from her. Two male witnesses chased and followed the male suspect to the City Bus Terminal. City Police attended and located the accused inside the women’s washroom and also found the victim’s wallet that contained all her identification and some cash. Other personal property belonging to the victim was found on the accused. The purse was also recovered outside the terminal. Officers attempted to locate the female suspect, but were unsuccessful. The investigation is continuing and officers are attempting to identify the female suspect. The female victim received minor injuries as a result of the robbery. The male accused is to appear in bail court this morning.
If anyone has any information on this incident or know the identity of the female suspect, please contact City Police at 949-6300 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (942-7867).

Shoplifting Arrest

36 year-old Laura Williams of #207-844 Queen Street East was arrested at Canadian Tire yesterday afternoon at 1:50 pm and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00. It is alleged that she attended at the store around 1:24 pm and stole some fishing tackle. She was apprehended by store security and held for police. She is to attend in court on the 14th of June.

Male Arrested for Purse Snatching Robbery

40 year-old Bryan Pennett of 75 St. Georges Avenue East was arrested on the 13th of May at 7:46 pm on Dennis Street and charged with one count of robbery and one count of possession of property obtained by crime. It is alleged that on the 13th of May at 7:35 pm the accused along with another unknown female, stole a purse from an elderly female while at the Station Mall. The victim was sitting on a bench in the east portion of the mall when the two approached her and attempted to grab her purse. The victim attempted to hang on to it, but a struggle ensued and the female suspect ripped it away from her. Two male witnesses chased and followed the male suspect to the City Bus Terminal. City Police attended and located the accused inside the women’s washroom and also found the victim’s wallet that contained all her identification and some cash. Other personal property belonging to the victim was found on the accused. The purse was also recovered outside the terminal. Officers attempted to locate the female suspect, but were unsuccessful. The investigation is continuing and officers are attempting to identify the female suspect. The female suspect was described to be wearing dark clothing, approximately 5’6-5’9, medium to heavy build and shoulder length dark hair.
The female victim received minor injuries as a result of the robbery. The male accused is to appear in bail court this morning.

If anyone has any information on this incident or know the identity of the female suspect, please contact City Police at 949-6300 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (942-7867).

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to provide some prevention tips to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a purse snatching

Purse snatching is one of the few crimes where seniors represent a greater proportion of those victimized. The best way to prevent becoming a target is to not carry a purse. However, for many people this is not practical. So if you are going to carry a purse here are some tips to both reduce the chance that you get targeted for this crime, and also to limit the damage if you are attacked.

Shop With A Friend And Travel Together

The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend - man or women this is a good form of self defense or protection against theft. You're safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners and alleys. Walk with your head up high and with a sense of purpose, since attackers target those whom they consider to be easy prey.

How To Outsmart A Purse Snatcher

One way to prevent purse snatching is not to carry a purse, or to carry it in a way that makes it quite inaccessible, such as wearing it under your coat or keeping your purse close to your body and your arm over it makes it a little bit harder for someone to grab it. You may even want to place it inside a shopping bag. Don’t wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Also, being aware of who is around you is also very important and you should never leave your purse on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart - even for a moment.

Avoid Carrying Valuables or Large Sums of Money

Never carry large sums of money or anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home and you should never put your name and address on your house keys or car keys. This is simple a way of telling the thief who you are and where you live and they may break into your home later on.

Call the police immediately

Most victims are attacked from behind. They don't get a good look at the attacker. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all details - help your police help you!

Shoplifting Arrest

36 year-old Laura Williams of #207-844 Queen Street East was arrested at Canadian Tire yesterday afternoon at 1:50 pm and charged with one count of theft under $5,000.00. It is alleged that she attended at the store around 1:24 pm and stole some fishing tackle. She was apprehended by store security and held for police. She is to attend in court on the 14th of June.