Police search for purse snatcher targeting Manayunk bars

Philadelphia Police are searching for a purse-snatcher who has reportedly been working bars along Main Street in Manayunk.

A crime alert recently released by the 5th Police District, which covers Manayunk and Roxborough, tells businesses and customers that four incidents were reported in the last two weeks. Police believe one woman has been behind at least three of them.

The offender is described as a white woman in her mid-20s, between 5’2″ and 5’4″ and weighing 100 to 105 pounds. She also has a piercing below her bottom lip and has been seen wearing a black coat, gray sweatpants and an orange Flyers T-Shirt.

Police said she typically grabs handbags that are hanging on the backs of chairs, bar stools or tables before fleeing.

The alert also notes that in one incident, the perpetrator fled on foot and hopped into a black Nissan Altima.

Officer Charles Kline with the 5th District said the crime is not uncommon for the area, but that perpetrators will often simply just lift credit cards from a purse.

In this instance, “the person is taking the whole purse,” said Kline.

According to police reports, customers at three Manayunk establishments – Mad River Bar & Grille, Kildare’s Irish Pub and the Manayunk Tavern – have reported a stolen wallet or handbag.

An owner at Mad River said the bar doesn’t have a problem with theft, but that “we did make our staff aware and told them to keep an eye out.”