'Tis The Season Where 'Theft Can Happen Anywhere,' Guilford Police Say

GUILFORD, CT — Police described the brazen purse-snatching and reminded folks that, "These thefts can happen anywhere."

Late last Friday afternoon, with the sun having just set, police were called to the Xtramart on Boston Post Road for the reported theft of a purse from a car. Here's what cops say happened:

"The victim was pumping gas when the suspects entered the lot in a small silver SUV. The suspects waited a few minutes for an available pump and pulled in adjacent to the victim’s vehicle. In a matter of seconds, one of the suspects quickly entered the victim’s vehicle to steal a purse before jumping back into the suspect vehicle to flee the area. Within 20 minutes of this theft, the suspects were already attempting to use the victim’s credit cards in Hamden."

Police said they are investigating and working with "regional law enforcement partners and the public in order to identify the suspects and take appropriate enforcement action." And ask that anyone who witnessed the theft and has yet to speak to investigators call the Guilford Police Department at 203-453-8061. They also are looking for any dash-cam footage from vehicles that may have been in the area of 1675 Boston Post Road at around 4:45 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9., to reach out.

"We are thankful that the victim and her dog, who was in the vehicle at the time of the theft, were not injured," police wrote on Facebook. They added this caution: "These types of crimes only take seconds and can create incredible stress and financial havoc on victims. We would like to remind everyone that these thefts can happen anywhere, including Guilford. Please be mindful of the potential for these crimes and always secure your vehicles and belongings, even at the gas pump, to help prevent these crimes from occurring."