Police arrested a 33-year-old man they allege is responsible for the recent rash of purse thefts in the city.
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Noel Prudhomme of Lorne Street was charged with eight counts of theft under $5000; 12 counts of breach of recognizance; one count of breach of undertaking; eight counts of breach of probation; and one count of dangerous driving. Prudhomme will appear in bail court today to answer to the charges.
A number of purse-snatching incidents occurred in area shopping mall parking lots during the period of Jan. 23-25. Police warned residents to watch for a well-dressed young man in his late 20s or early 30s who travels in a small, black, newer model car.
In each incident, the man cruised the parking lots targeting women who were carrying packages and accompanied by children. He waited until the woman left her purse on top of her car while placing parcels inside or securing children in car seats, pulled up in his vehicle, grabbed the purse and took off.
To avoid future attacks, police provided the following preventative measures:
1) If you carry a purse, carry it close to your person.
2) If it is a shoulder bag, carry it so the purse is tucked in front of you. If it is a handbag, carry it firmly in hand.
3) Immediately put your purse or other valuable you may be carrying in your vehicle before unloading your shopping cart.
4) Use extra care when walking through shopping malls and shopping mall parking lots. Be mindful of your surroundings and pay attention to those around you.
5) If you are a victim of a purse snatching or you observe suspicious activity or behaviour, report this to police immediately.
6) After daylight hours, ensure your car is parked in a well-lit area.
