Three Purse Snatchings in Eight Days

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Law enforcement officials in the Midlands are dealing with their third instance of purse snatching in a little over a week. West Columbia Police say someone attacked an 82-year-old woman as she exited the Big K-Mart store on Charleston Highway August 25. They say the woman struggled with the suspect before being thrown to the ground and dragged. She suffered scratches and bruises and required stitches to her hand. It’s the third such incident in the Midlands in eight days. On August 18 and August 21 in Columbia, similar incidents occurred at the Bi-Lo Grocery store on Devine Street and the Family Dollar Store on Farrow Road, respectively. Authorities say don’t carry a purse if you don’t have to. If you must they urge you to carry essential items like cash and credit cards on your person, like in a pocket. Lastly they say be aware of your surroundings at all times.