The Richmond RCMP Quick Response Team (QRT) has arrested a prolific purse snatcher.
The alleged offender specialized in the theft of purses from victims frequenting shopping malls and restaurants throughout Richmond.
The QRT started noticing a trend in this type of crime in January 2015. After analyzing crime data, patterns emerged, and officers started honing in on a suspect.
Ahmed Baladie, 51, of Burnaby, has been charged with nine counts of theft under $5,000. His offences allegedly spanned from January to April 2015.
“This individual was extremely confident in what he did, how he did it, and who he targeted. His arrest comes from a large team effort using good old-fashioned police work and modern crime analysis,” said Cpl. Ray Basi, of the Richmond RCMP Quick Response Team.
