A search is underway for a serial purse snatcher who has grabbed at least 27 bags from customers pumping gas at Denver-area gas stations.
Since mid-January, the purse snatcher has struck in Jefferson County and 10 other jurisdictions, according to a release from Mark Techmeyer, spokesman for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.
Techmeyer said the suspect targets women who leave their purses in the front passenger seat of their vehicles.
As the victim is pumping gas and looking at the fuel pump, the suspect drives up next to the front passenger side door.
He leaves his vehicle, opens the unlocked passenger door and quickly steals the purse before jumping back into his car and leaving.
Twice the thief has entered occupied cars. In one case, there was child in the back seat. In the other case, the thief reached over an elderly person in the car and stole a purse, said Techmeyer.
No one has been injured.
The 27 incidents have been reported in Thornton, Broomfield, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Denver, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Englewood, Federal Heights and Lakewood.
The suspect is described as an Hispanic or white male, 35 to 50 years old, and between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall.
He also has either a beard or moustache and short to medium length brown hair.
Investigators say he has driven different types of vehicles while committing the thefts.
Because of the rash of incidents, and the potential danger to victims, authorities are asking customers to be aware of their surroundings while pumping gas. If they go into the gas station, they are asked to lock their car doors.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 303-271-5612.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
