Surveillance released of purse snatcher

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have released surveillance video of a woman who stole an elderly woman's purse from a shopping cart.

Surveillance video captured a woman in a pattern, long dress approaching a 71-year-old woman at a Publix along Collins Avenue on Sept. 29.

The woman made small talk with the victim in the produce section. She then went around a second time, while the victim wasn't looking, and grabbed the other woman's purse from the shopping cart.

Police said these type of crimes usually occur during the holiday season, which is approaching. "We want to tell the community it is now October," said Sunny Isles Beach Police Sergeant Brain Schnell. "This is the time of the year when these type of crimes escalated. I urge people, number one, to not give these people the opportunity to make you a victim. Don't leave your bags laying in a shopping cart."

Less than five minutes later, the woman went to a Sunny Isles Beach Walgreens and purchased cigarettes and gift cards with the victim's money. She was seen coming out of an older model white Mercedes Benz coupe.

If you have any information on this robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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