Nassau police say thieves mugging women in driveways

First Squad detectives are looking for two men who are robbing Nassau women of their pocketbooks as they pull into their driveways at night, police said Thursday.

Two men are believed to have robbed at least seven women in their driveways since Oct. 23, Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said.

"We suspect it's the same group," he said. "Their tactics seem to be the same ... and we have descriptions of two people, both using physical force."

One of the men approaches the woman as they get out of their cars and demands they give up their pocketbook, threatening physical force, police said. Then, he darts off to a waiting, dark gray four-door sedan most likely driven by the second man, police said.

Smith said the robbers have committed the crimes between 8 and 11 p.m. and have not used weapons.

Two of the robberies have been in Baldwin, including the most recent, on Saturday at about 11 p.m. Others have occurred in Levittown, Merrick, North Merrick, East Meadow and Wantagh.

One suspect is described as slender, 5-foot-4 to 5-foot-6 and about 20 years old. The other man is 6 feet to 6-foot-2, with a medium build and about 20 to 25 years old.

Smith said it appears the men drive around, spot a woman alone in a vehicle, then follow her home.

"They're picking on vulnerable victims, mostly elderly females, who will not fight back or give them grief," Smith said.

He said precautionary measures include making sure security lights are operating and that women look to see if they are being followed.

"Come home to a bright driveway," Smith said. "If they suspect something, they should stay in their car and call 911."

In the latest robbery Saturday night, a man attacked a woman, 49, just after she parked in her driveway in Baldwin.

She struggled with her assailant and chased him north on Milburn Avenue, police said. The robber was seen entering a car with dull paint, police said. No one was injured.

Smith said police are looking into another robbery Wednesday night that might be included in the pattern. "But we're not sure of that yet," he said. "We're still investigating, conducting interviews."

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers, 800-244-8477. All callers will remain anonymous.