A cowardly bag snatcher robbed a 19-year-old woman in Edinburgh's Slateford area on Saturday evening.
The suspect, described by police as being in his 50s, targeted the young woman while she was outside an address on Hutchison Loan at around 7.50pm.
She was approached by the man, who was around 5ft 9ins and of average build, and he then stole her handbag before running off towards Slateford Road.
The victim was not injured but has been left "shaken and upset" by the ordeal.
Police say the bag snatcher was also earlier seen acting strangely in someone's front garden, not far from where the robbery took place.
He is described as having short grey or black hair and stubble. He was wearing dark clothing, including a dark grey hoodie with the hood down.
Detective sergeant Gavin Howat of Corstorphine CID said: "It is very fortunate that there were no injuries as a result of this robbery, but the victim has been left shaken and upset by the loss of her bag and its contents.
“Officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area and have established that the suspect was seen acting strangely in the front garden of a neighbouring property shortly before the incident took place.
“We would be keen to hear from anyone else who either witnessed the robbery itself or saw any suspicious activity in the area throughout the evening.”
Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3773 of 19 October. Alternatively get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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