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Police Arrest 2 In LI Purse Snatching Cases

NEW YORK (CBS 2) – Police arrested two people in connection with the latest string of purse snatchings in Nassau County.

Police said plainclothes officers arrested 30-year-old Veronica Sarabella from Deer Park and 29-year-old Alfonso Zitoli from Massapequa on Saturday on Route 109 and Wellwood Avenue.

The duo is accused of committing eight robberies last week, investigators said, and the attacks were all similar. Someone pulls up in a car, grabs the purse and takes off—in some cases dragging the woman and causing serious injury.

"You have to be aware of your surroundings. I even changed pocketbooks today. I have one over my shoulder. You just need to be aware," Wantaugh resident Linda Parascondola said.

Seaford resident Kathy Costanza is optimistic that the attacks will be stopped, but, like Parascondola, she said she'll remain aware.

"I'm concerned, gotta do what you can to protect yourself but it is alarming, they'll probably find them and we'll be okay," Costanza said.

Both defendants are charged with two counts of Robbery second degree, Attempted Robbery second degree, and three counts of Grand Larceny fourth degree. Zitoli is additionally charged with three counts of Robbery third degree.

All the attacks reportedly happened outside shopping centers.

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