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Warning: Multiple violent purse snatching attempts reported in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police have issued a warning to all women in the city after multiple violent attempted purse snatchings have happened recently.

Authorities said women were dragged by the suspects in at least two incidents in the West End, including one near a supermarket.

“I’m glad I know that so now I’ll be more aware. It’s right here in our backyard,” said Lori Carroll.

According to police, a man tried grabbing a woman’s purse around 2 p.m. Saturday on McKinney Lane. Detectives said the woman wouldn’t let go and the man dragged her about 10 feet. He eventually let go and drove away.

About 15 minutes later, police said the same man tried taking a woman’s purse on Noblestown Road near the Shop N Save.

The woman told police she was knocked to the ground, but held onto her purse.

Councilwoman Theresa Kail Smith told Channel 11's Jennifer Tomazic that she just secured funding for 33 security cameras. She's put a community group in charge of them.

They will go all over the West End and one of the first cameras will be installed in Westwood, near one of the attempts, Kail Smith said.

“I hope it gives people a sense of peace in knowing that we do take their safety seriously,” she said.

Authorities said the man was driving an older blue car with a vanity plate on the front. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.