Police Looking to ID Alleged Purse Thief in Mississauga

A suspected purse-snatcher is responsible for four incidents within two weeks in Mississauga, say Peel police, and they’re asking the public to help identify him.

The string of incidents began Feb. 13 at 6:45 p.m.

That’s when a woman, 65, was standing on Dundas St. W., near Constitution Blvd., when a suspect grabbed her purse and fled eastbound on a bicycle along Dundas St.

The victim wasn’t injured.

Fifteen minutes later, “the suspect struck again,” say police, this time near Dundas St. and Hurontario St.

The victim, a 42-year-old woman, had her purse grabbed from behind and was dragged for about 20 feet before releasing her handbag. She suffered minor injuries.

The third victim was approached from behind by a suspect on a bike on Feb. 15 at 9:30 p.m., this time in the Dundas St. and Queen Frederica Dr. area.

The suspect snatched her purse from her arm and continued riding westbound.

An 85-year-old woman was walking westbound on King St. on Feb. 26 at 3:35 p.m. when the man came up from behind and grabbed her purse, fleeing eastbound on a bicycle.

The suspect is described as white, 20 to 25, wearing a silver jacket and possibly a dark hooded top. The bike is described as red and black.

Residents are reminded to:

• Be aware of their surroundings.
• Keep bags and purses close to you.
• Be aware of any suspicious individuals nearby.
• If anyone makes an attempt to grab your purse, police recommend that you release the purse to avoid any injuries, obtain as much information as possible, and contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to phone the 12 Division criminal investigation bureau at 905-453-2121 ext. 1233 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.