ABBOTSFORD (NEWS1130) – Police are warning you to be alert after a pair of purse snatchings at gas stations in Abbotsford. The thief may also be at work in other areas in the Lower Mainland.

Two women’s purses were stolen from gas stations in Abbotsford in the span of about an hour yesterday.

“In one, the victim wasn’t aware that her purse was taken until after she had filled up her vehicle. In the second incident, a young child observed a hand reaching into the open window and remove the mother’s purse,” describes Constable Ian MacDonald.

He adds they’re comparing notes with police in other cities about the thefts.

“Based on some of the suspect’s description, we are… talking to other agencies. We feel that this is an individual who may not have just perpetrated crime in Abbotsford, but might have done similar crimes elsewhere,” says MacDonald.

Last summer, Vancouver Police dealt with several thefts at gas stations, with someone making off with wallets and cell phones from cars.