Trader Joe's Purse Snatchers Sought By San Mateo Co. Deputies

SAN CARLOS, CA — Within minutes of one another Tuesday afternoon, two purse snatchings occurred inside and out of Trader Joe's at 1482 El Camino Real in San Carlos, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department reported.

The first victim was shopping inside the grocery store at about 2 p.m. when her purse was stolen after leaving it unattended in a shopping cart.

A short time later, a second victim was walking in the alley between Trader Joe’s and Walgreens when an unknown man wearing blue jeans forcibly grabbed her wallet from her purse, which was hanging on her shoulder. The suspect fled on foot towards El Camino Real.

Deputies responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspect and are actively working on leads. If caught, the suspect faces possible grand theft and strong arm robbery charges — both felonies.

It is unknown if the two incidents are related, however the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings, keep purses and bags strapped across the body and report all suspicious people and behavior to law enforcement immediately.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the sheriff’s office Detective Bureau at 650-599-1536 make an anonymous call to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at 800-547-2700.