Purse Snatchers Attacking in Tulsa?

[kylieosu]

I just had this email forwarded to me, and wanted to see if anyone knew if it was legit or spam. It's going around to practically every female at my work this afternoon. I figure something like this would make the local news, but I'm a pretty big news junkie and haven't seen or read anything of the sort that I can recall. Anybody heard about this? Thanks.

Ladies,

I talked to my neighbor this weekend and she is so shaken up.  She went to Sam's at 71st & Mingo last Thursday evening with a friend.   A man came up to her from behind and took her to the ground.  She struggled and her and her friend screamed and made lots of noise and people started heading her way to help her but a car came up with 3 more guys in it and she got scared and gave up her purse.  She is horrified still.  She had bruises on her arms and knees.  This is a lady who is always careful and has taken self defense classes but the blow came from behind her.    When reporting to the police, they told her that this is a group of Hispanics whom they can't catch and they have hit several places.    The police also told her to always have only one credit card, drivers license, telephone and keys in your pocket- and in your purse to have non valuable such as brush, lipstick, etc.  He said to have a dummy purse because if they see you get out of your car w/o a purse then they think that you left it in the car and will break into your car.    They got away with her phone, drivers license (so they know her address), and a couple of credit cards, and purse.  They attempted three times to use her card before she could report it.     She is still so afraid.   These are guys who are quick and slick and know what they are doing, please be careful while out shopping!

[Gaspar]

Same places every year.

Thanks for the warning.  I'll make sure the women in my family know to stay alert and have the safety off.

[tulsa_fan]

I'm going to say it's not that specifically legit, although the theme and purpose of being careful is.  You shouldn't carry more in your purse than necessary.  Secondly, you should always be aware of your surroundings, sometime I want to just yank a purse on someone who is yapping away while on the cell phone in a parking lot.  That's where you are most suspectible.  Have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door, have your head up looking around, look confident and attentive, that decreases your chances to almost nothing of being a victim.  Finally, part with the stinking purse.  It is only property, give it UP!!!!  Period, don't think twice about it, don't fight back.  Take in all the details and descriptions you can and provide that information to the police.  You can't be a witness if you are dead, most burlars, even when carrying a gun, don't intend to go kill someone they just want a quick fix . . . they are looking for an easy target, don't be that target!!

It is the Holidays and crimes like this will go up, be aware of your surroundings at all times, be smart, you CAN make yourself less likely to be the victim.