Vancouver police warn of downtown purse-snatchings

Police in Vancouver are warning about an uptick in purse-snatchings, especially in the downtown area.

According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), there have been four such instances reported since January, and the same person is believed to be responsible for them all.

#VPDNews: #VPD is releasing video of recent purse thefts in the downtown core to illustrate how easily this crime can happen, and to remind people to be mindful of where they put their belongings. These thefts remain under investigation. https://t.co/1cekcKe8Io pic.twitter.com/ZBmjGYGOXw

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) March 10, 2023

In one case, police say a victim placed her purse on the back of a chair while dining at a restaurant near Robson Street and Nicola Street, not realizing her purse was gone before a suspect had already fled.

In another instance in a hotel lobby near Waterfront Road and Burrard Street, police say a victim had her purse on a table beside her when a man stole it without her noticing.

It’s not just entire purses being stolen. Police say in one instance, a victim had hung her purse on a chair beside her with her scarf over top of it when a suspect dropped his backpack on it, and took the victim’s wallet.

On another occasion, at a restaurant on Robson Street, officers say a victim’s purse containing a passport, ID and money, was stolen from a bench beside her.

All of these cases remain under police investigation.

Const. Tania Visintin notes purse thefts are a common occurrence.

“We want to make the public aware, and ask them to be more mindful when and where they put down their belongings,” she said.

In an effort to avoid future purse-snatchings, police have issued a handful of recommendations. They include keeping your purse and belongings close by, not leaving your purse hanging on the back of a chair, carrying important documents and keys in your pocket, and avoiding carrying large amounts of money.

Anyone who falls victim to this type of crime is being asked to call 9-1-1 for in-progress calls. Reporting after the fact can be done by calling 604-717-3321. Incidents can also be reported online at vpd.ca.