Woman accused of snatching purses from elderly shoppers in Toronto's west end
· Toronto Sun
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A 29-year-old woman is accused of stealing purses from senior citizens’ carts as they shopped in stores in the city’s west end.
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Toronto Police said the series of purse thefts allegedly occurred in the area of Weston Rd. and Lawrence Ave. W. between Sept. 1 and Tuesday.
“It is alleged that … the accused attended various stores targeting senior citizens who would place their purses and handbags in the upper area of their shopping cart,” police said in a statement released Wednesday.
“The accused would then await the opportunity when the victim would turn their attention away from their belongings, take possession of the item and flee the store.”
Officers from 12 Division responded to a radio call regarding a suspect matching the description of the purse thief on Tuesday and arrested a woman.
Ashante Whittaker is charged with four counts of theft under $5,000, two counts of unauthorized use of a credit card and two counts of fraud under $5,000.
She is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8.
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Cops concerned about other victims
Out of concern for the possibility of other alleged victims, investigators have released images of the accused woman.
“Officers are reminding the public to be cognizant of your belongings such as cellphones, wallets and parcels when attending events and shopping locations where crowds are present during the holiday season,” police said.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 416-808-1200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.