Brazen purse thief responsible for a string of thefts in downtown Vancouver: VPD

Vancouver police are investigating a series of brazen purse thefts in the downtown core they believe were committed by the same person.

They released surveillance video of some of the incidents on Friday to illustrate how easily the thefts can happen even in highly-populated areas with many people around.

“Sadly, purse thefts are not an uncommon occurrence,” said Vancouver police spokeswoman Const. Tania Visintin.

In one video, a man could be seen strolling casually into Paul Bakery on Robson Street and taking a purse from the back of chair while the owner was occupied with two young children.

In another video, a man could be seen inside a busy Korean restaurant on Robson Street. At one point, he pretended to drop his backpack, then took a light-coloured purse at the same time he picked up his backpack.