Purse-Snatcher Nabs Handbag From Vehicle With Passengers Inside

In a string of auto-related thefts in Germantown, police said a suspect snatched a purse from an unlocked vehicle while people were inside the automobile.

The alleged incident occurred at 7:55 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8, in 19900 block of Appledowre Circle in Germantown. The suspect reportedly opened an unlocked passenger door, grabbed the purse and left the scene.

At least two people were inside the car, according to Montgomery County Police spokeswoman Angela Cruz.  

A detailed description of the suspect was unavailable.

Police said four auto-related thefts were reported between Dec. 31 and Jan. 8. In one case, a female unloading groceries in the 20000 block of Appledowre Circle found that her purse was missing.

In another case, police said, a woman left her purse on the floorboard in order to make quick run to her residence, in the 20000 block of Gateshead Circle. The woman returned 15 mintues later to discover someone had broken in. Her laptop, purse and iPod were reported missing.

Police would not say whether the vehicle-related thefts were linked.

Cruz said people should consider locking their car doors, even if they’re sitting inside the car.

“It feels like you shouldn’t have to,” Cruz said.