As the holiday season approaches, law enforcement officials in the Central Florid area are warning people to be extra vigilant — especially older citizens — while out holiday shopping.
Over the past few weeks, surveillance video across the area has captured purse-snatchers targeting the elderly. And it's being done in broad daylight.
In one incident, a 76-year-old woman was walking to her car at a Winn-Dixie in Winter Park when a man snatches her purse and runs away. Fortunately, some good Samaritans were able to chase him down, and deputies made an arrest.
Other cases haven't resulted in a happy ending, though.
At a Walmart in Ocoee, 68-year-old Donna Chancey was starting to load her groceries into her vehicle when she was attacked.
"I felt myself being pushed over," Chancey said. "Then, all of a sudden, I saw a hand and my purse go flying."
A car drove up behind Chancey, and a woman jumped out to snatch her purse.
"I screamed and turned around and tried to grab her, and she opened the door up just enough to get in ... and they took off," she said.
The suspects got away with Chancey's cards and $7.
"I'm afraid to go back over there," she said.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said senior citizens are more vulnerable and more likely to be targeted. There are ways to reduce your chances of being a victim this holiday season, though.
One of the biggest — and perhaps most obvious — ways to lower your risk is to not carry a purse into stores. Instead, carry a change purse in your pocket with credit cards and some cash.
"Never carry your bag on your shoulder," said Janice Ortiz, a shopper. "Always keep it in front of you."
With holiday shopping in full swing, it's easy to get carried away with bags. Officials also said to be careful not to overburden yourself or obstruct your view with purchases as you walk to your car. Another good tip, officials said, is to keep your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle or home and keep your doors locked and windows up while driving.
Officials also urged people not to shop alone.