Woman, 81, Injured In Attempted Purse-Snatching: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — An 81-year-old woman was hospitalized after being injured in an attempted purse-snatching in the Kohl’s parking lot last week in Hamden, according to police.

A 60-year-old woman was also injured in a purse-snatching in the Aldi’s parking lot on Friday, according to police.

Hamden, along with other towns in the surrounding region, has experienced a recent increase in “crimes in shopping areas, specifically pertaining to robberies and stolen motor vehicles,” according to a news release from Acting Hamden Police Chief Timothy F. Wydra.

“The safety and well-being of our residents, and those who visit and work in the Town of Hamden, is our primary goal,” Wydra wrote in the news release.

Police responded to Aldi Supermarket at 2300 Dixwell Avenue around 5:30 p.m. on May 12 on the report of a strong-arm robbery/ purse snatching. The victim, a 60-year-old woman, was treated at the scene for minor injuries, according to police.

A suspect entered the woman’s vehicle as she was placing her shoulder bag in the front seat and grabbed it from her and fled in a dark sedan vehicle, police said.

Earlier in the week, police responded to Kohl’s at 2380 Dixwell Avenue just before midnight on May 9 on the report of an attempted purse snatching of an 81-year-old woman.

Police said the woman was walking toward the parking lot when a suspect came up from behind her and tried to grab the purse off her shoulder, which caused her to be taken to the ground. She was later taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment.

Officers later found the suspect’s vehicle, which police said was determined to have been stolen out of West Haven.

“The Hamden Police Department continues to work diligently and in coordination with other Law Enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those responsible for these crimes,” the news release states. “These incidents generally involve young persons in stolen motor vehicles driving through shopping centers and gas stations parking lots.”

Read more from police below:

Increased Patrols – Additional Officers have been assigned to high visibility patrols in the shopping centers throughout Town. Hamden’s Crime Deterrent Unit will also be assisting in these crime prevention efforts.

The Hamden Police Department would also like to remind the community of some very important crime-prevention safety tips:

1. Park in well-lit areas.

2. Avoid driving or shopping alone whenever possible.

3. Don’t leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.

4. If possible, leave your purse at home. Carry only essentials, such as money, credit cards and identification in your pockets. Avoid carrying a large amount of money.

5. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Do not leave any valuables inside your vehicle.

6. If you sense trouble, get away as soon as possible.

7. Walk with your head up and eyes alert.

8. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys accessible. You want to unlock the door to your vehicle as quickly as possible. Lock your vehicle upon re-entering it.

9. If you are robbed, make personal safety your number one priority. Money and property can always be replaced. Please contact the Hamden Police Department for assistance by dialing 911 or calling 203-230-4000.

Most importantly…Always be ALERT and AWARE of your surroundings!

“Thank you to the Hamden Police Department for their quick response, investigation, and for being more visible in out shopping centers,” Mayor Lauren Garrett said in a statement. “Community safety is everyone’s responsibility. When we work together and take proactive measures, we create a safe and secure environment for our community.”