Police Catch Alleged Hingham Purse Snatcher

Police believe a Hull man and Bellingham woman are responsible for a purse snatching incident at the Hingham Stop & Shop last week.

John H. Mulloy, 32, of Hull has been arrested and a 23-year-old Bellingham woman is facing charges in connection of the theft of a 65-year-old Hingham woman’s purse last month at the Stop & Shop on Lincoln Street.  Mulloy is believed to have snached the purse from a shopping cart in the checkout line and then witnesses said he placed it under his sweatshirt and ran.

The victim's credit cards were used at a gas station and a store in South Weymouth before they could be reported stolen, police said.

The Bellingham suspect was questioned by Hingham Detectives after she tried to cash one of the victim’s checks at Hull bank. Police said the transaction was denied and she presented a license that did not belong to her. 

When Hingham Detectives interviewed the woman whose license was presented in Hull, they realized she was not the same woman on the bank surveillance video. In addition she recognized the woman who presented her license as a former 23-year-old friend from Bellingham.

The Bellingham woman was interviewed by Hingham Detectives and was able to identify Mulloy from the Stop & Shop surveillance images, police said.

When police arrived at Mulloy’s home to arrest him, he was hiding in the closet, police said.

The 23-year-old Bellingham woman, is being summonsed to Hingham Court. Her name is not being released as she has not yet been arraigned.

This case was investigated by Hingham Detective Philip Emmott.

which occurred on January 11 at Whole Foods, remains under investigation.