Cmdr. Tom Martin, supervisor of the south station, said three women shopping in North Merced strip malls Sunday were victims of robberies.
The first incident took place around 9 a.m. at the Raley's shopping center in the 3500 block of G Street when the victim returned to her car to find that her purse was gone.
Martin said the second robbery took place around noon at the Walgreens Drug Store in the 3000 block of G Street, when the occupant of a small green vehicle allegedly grabbed the victim's purse.
The victim reportedly struggled to hold onto her purse, and her husband attempted to help her, but was pushed to the ground by the robber.
The third incident took place close to 2 p.m. in the Gottschalks shopping center in the 1400 block of West Olive Avenue, when a robber again grabbed a victim's purse and fled.
Martin said it is unknown how many occupants were in the last vehicle.
The only lead police have is that the vehicle was a green or blue older-model car and that the robber was reportedly Hispanic.
Martin cautions any women walking in and around shopping centers should make sure their purse is secure under their arm with a strap over the shoulder.
"If you leave your purse in the car, don't leave it in plain sight -- lock it in the trunk," he said.
Female shoppers who feel uncomfortable when walking in a parking lot should contact the store manager.
"They will be more than happy to have someone assist you," Martin said.
Reporter Mike De La Cruz can be reached at 385-2474 or mdelacruz@mercedsun-star.com.
