Thief steals empty purse

Photo: File photo

A local senior had her purse stolen from her hands, but fortunately her rent money was in her coat pocket.

A local senior had her purse snatched from her hands Wednesday, but fortunately her rent money was in her coat pocket.

Vernon RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said on Jan. 31 at 4 p.m., police responded to a report of a purse snatching at 32nd Street and 29th Avenue.

Investigators learned the male suspect allegedly rode up on a bike behind the 71-year-old female, grabbed her purse and cycled away down a nearby alley.

According to a post on Facebook, the senior had just taken $700 in rent money from the bank and was walking down the street when she was robbed.

“No violence was used, the suspect simply grabbed the purse and cycled away, later dropping the purse and its contents, which was recovered, in the alley nearby,” said Brett. “The suspect male was not located, and the victim was unable to provide a description as it occurred so quickly.”

While the victim quickly reported the theft to the RCMP, she called the detachment Thursday morning to say she found the money in the pocket of her jacket.

“It is good to hear that this person has found the rent money she thought she lost and that this ended with a good outcome for her,” said Brett.

“The Vernon RCMP would like to remind pedestrians to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to keep your personal belongings secured to your body, whenever possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact RCMP at 250-545-7171. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com