Police Looking For Serial Purse Snatcher Near The Falls

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Police are searching for a serial purse snatcher that struck most recently in December. But, this time police have surveillance video they hope will help someone identify the alleged thief.

According to Miami-Dade Police, the purse snatcher has struck at least six times between August 19, 2012 and December 14, 2012. The purses have been stolen between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Horatio Garcia was with his wife when her purse was taken from the BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse near The Falls.

Police said the purse thief targets women who put their purse on the back of a chair or underneath the bar. When the woman is distracted, the thief sneaks off with the purse and leaves the restaurant.

"This purse snatcher basically waited for a moment of distraction while we were looking at our menus," said Garcia. "My wife made the mistake of putting her purse behind her chair. We were on her radar. She was very brazen. We were in a public place full of people and she just grabbed it."

Police said the thief has stolen thousands of dollars from the victims and will often use their credit cards for purchases in the area.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at (305)471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477; or visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com.