PRESS RELEASE: Series of Chain Snatch Robberies Believed to be Related
Since May 2014 the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) has investigated approximately 15 chain snatch robberies during which suspects have stolen necklaces. These crimes have occurred in several locations throughout the city. In each of the cases there have been one or two suspects seen in the area.
The suspects have been described as black male adults in their 20s with heights ranging from 5'10" to 6'2" and thin builds. Based upon the similarities of the suspect descriptions detectives believe a group of associated suspects are committing these crimes. The suspect(s) typically walk towards or from behind the victim before grabbing their necklace. In at least two instances, a firearm was presented during the crime. The suspect(s) may be using multiple vehicles and working with other persons in the area to identify their victims. The victims have been Asian Indian and primarily women with at least one known case involving a male victim.
DPS is asking for any assistance with locating and identifying the suspects in these cases. DPS continues to actively investigate these crimes and look at all possible leads being developed. We would like to remind residents to be aware of their surroundings and immediately call 911 if they have information or are a victim. Anyone with information related to the associated photographs is asked to call Detective Alan Harnett at (408)730-7138.
Address/Location
Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety
700 All America Way
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 408-730-7100
Jeffrey Hunter
Special Operations
[email protected]
408-444-7091