Good description catches Valdosta purse snatcher | News

VALDOSTA, GA- An accused purse snatcher is in the Lowndes County Jai because the alert victim helped police catch him.

That woman was in the Valdosta Sam's Club parking lot about seven o'clock last night when a man stole her purse.

She gave officers such a good description of the thief's vehicle, they quickly tracked down a suspect.

Would you be able to help police catch someone who attacked you?

Penny Thomas was in this parking lot last night on a shopping trip to Sam's Club when a man grabbed her purse, jumped in a car, and sped away. Thomas got the license plate and reported it to Valdosta Police within seconds. They quickly tracked down 23-year-old Robin Van Williams and arrested him near Bunche Drive.

"I personally think the offender was very bold in what he did and I think our victim was very brave in what she did. And that was one of the big reasons we were able to bring this case to a conclusion and bring him into custody," said Commander Brian Childress, Valdosta Police.

Childress says if you're a crime victim, you need to remember key details about your attacker.

"This woman was a prime example of what to do right when it comes to helping us identify the person. We're looking for the sex of the person, was it a male or female, race that helps us, their height, their weight, what they're wearing," said Childress.  

You should also always be aware of where your purse is.

Police say women shouldn't even wear purses when they go shopping. But if you do never keep it in your shopping cart, always make sure it's secured tightly around your shoulder."

One shopper says sometimes she is too forgetful with her purse.

"I'm going to hold on to it and keep it close under my arm and keep it tight to me, because at my work place I always tell ladies not to walk away with their purse in their carts, because people can snatch them and run away. And I was careless today but not anymore," said Jacqueline Wilkerson.

Police say once they spotted the suspected thief's car last night, there was a short chase but they eventually stopped and arrested him.

Police also say if you are shopping at night, you should park in a lighted area and have your keys already in your hand when you head to your car.

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