Pima County Sheriff's deputies say that armed robbers have been working together to target the elderly, according to a news release.
Deputies say on Sunday night they responded to a report of an armed robbery near the 2300 block of West Ruthrauff Road.
As deputies arrived, they learned that an elderly woman had just returned home from shopping and was met by a man with a gun who demanded money and took the woman's wallet.
Deputies say after the woman complied with the demands, the suspect left the home and was seen getting into a vehicle with two occupants.
PCSD says the woman's credit cards were used within the hour at a local Walgreen's, CVS and Carl's Jr.
Three days later on Wednesday night deputies say a second robbery happened near the 4500 block of West Calle Marco.
PCSD says an elderly woman was getting her mail after returning home from the store when she was approached by a black SUV occupied by two women asking for directions.
"I think that they had to have been following me," Geta Jacobs said. "Because pulling up in here and following me right down this road -- that was not an accident."
As the woman was distracted, the passenger got out of the vehicle and grabbed the Jacobs' purse from her arm. Jacobs explained she was frightened, but also very surprised an attack like this took place in her neighborhood.
"If we were in a neighborhood where you have crime like that -- but we're not. So, it was totally unexpected, and it scared the living daylights out of me. So I had to scream."
The woman fell to the ground and hit her head. Deputies say her credit cards were used shortly after at the Wal-Mart located at 7635 North La Cholla Blvd.
Deputies say surveillance video shows three female suspects who are believed to be working with one male suspect using the stolen credit cards.
PCSD says evidence shows that the incidents are connected.
Detectives in the Robbery/Assault Unit are handling the investigation and are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspects.
If you have any information you are asked to call 88-CRIME or 9-1-1.
