UPDATED: Police Increase Presence in White Marsh After Armed Robberies

WHITE MARSH, MD — Two separate shopping venues in White Marsh were the scenes of armed robberies Sunday night, according to police, who are increasing patrols in the area.

Both victims were women in their 20s and the suspect descriptions were unavailable, said police, who were working Monday afternoon to determine whether the crimes were related.

At approximately 10:20 p.m. on Sunday, a 21-year-old woman was getting into her vehicle near Della Rose's in The Avenue at White Marsh when she was approached by two armed individuals, according to Cpl. John Wachter. The suspects took her keys, cell phone and cash, he said.

Earlier in the day, another woman had been the victim of an armed robbery as well, at another shopping center.

Before 5 p.m. on Sunday, a woman had been putting her children in the car when she was approached by an armed person in the parking lot at the White Marsh Mall, near the food court, Wachter said.

The suspect took her purse and cell phone, then got into a vehicle with three other people inside, according to police.

Due to the early stages of the investigation, police have not said whether the crimes were related, as interviews with witnesses and checks of surveillance tapes are underway.

There will be additional security in the area, Wachter told Patch Monday. He said that plain clothes officers as well as increased patrols are being deployed.

Anyone with information about these crimes may contact the White Marsh Precinct at 410-887-5000 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

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