Councilman Chaim Deutsch is asking for the public’s assistance in tracking down a wanted purse snatcher, who is targeting elderly women.

“This perpetrator has targeted some of our community’s most vulnerable” said Councilman Chaim Deutsch. “Not only is he a criminal, but he’s a coward as well.”

The suspect began his robbery spree on January 21st, when he followed a 62-year-old woman into an elevator inside of a Brighton 12th Street building between Corbin Place and Oceanview Avenue at 3 pm.

The victim heard the suspect say, “It’s freezing out here,” before he snatched the purse from her shoulder.

On January 24th, the suspect followed a 75-year-old woman into a Brighton Third Street building between Brighton Beach Avenue and Bridgewater Court at 2:30 pm, running up behind the victim, before yanking the purse off her shoulder.

On January 25th, the suspect attacked a 61-year-old woman on Brighton Third Street near Brighton Beach Avenue at 9:30 pm, taking her purse.

Police have described the suspect as a young male in his late teens, or early 20s, of a light to medium build, between 5’6 – 5’9, who was seen wearing a white scarf that obscured his face.

A more recent incident occurred on February 5th, only this time the suspect attacked a woman in Manhattan Beach, within the confines of the 61st Precinct.

The victim, a 79-year-old woman, told police that she was on Beaumont Street near Hampton Avenue at 3 pm, when the suspect approached and grabbed her hand bag, before making his escape.

Councilman Deutsch is in close contact with 60th and 61st precincts to ensure everything possible is being done to apprehend the perpetrator, and increase police presence in the area.

In addition, Councilman Deutsch is providing the public with tips in order to help them avoid theft and also to help the public provide police with information in the event that theft occurs.

• The suspect is targeting elderly women, and usually operates during the late afternoon, or early evening. If you feel that you’re being followed, or you notice anything suspicious, call police immediately.

• If you have been the victim of a robbery, do not hesitate to call police. If your phone has been taken from you, or you do not have a phone, go to a neighbor or nearby store.

• Do not struggle with the suspect, or incite him to violence in any way.

Anyone with information regarding a crime is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, go to nypdcrimestoppers.org, or text CRIMES (274637).

(YWN Desk – NYC)