Three suspects have been arrested by the Demopolis Police Department in relation to an attempted purse snatching at Walmart on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Kamayi Cole, 19, of Meridian, Miss., Shacarol Eutsey, 22, of York, and Darrell Lake, 21, of York were arrested as a result of the investigation. All three suspects are being charged with second-degree robbery and are awaiting bond in the Marengo County Detention Center.

According to a press release, officers spoke to the victim, and she said she was putting bags into the trunk of her car in the parking lot when a tall, skinny black male came up to her and attempted to snatch her purse. The victim screamed, and the man let go of the purse and got into a red Ford Crown Victoria and drove west on Highway 80.

Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese wants to thank the public for their assistance is resolving this case.

Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange recently issued a consumer alert offering tips to Alabamians for safe shopping during the holiday season. The Attorney General’s alert provides advice to protect consumers’ identity, property and safety.

The following are tips while shopping online:

•Shop from reputable online sites that you know

•Never respond to pop up ads

•If possible, use a credit card versus a debit card when shopping online. Consumers can dispute charges with their credit card company, but using a debit card can give scammers direct access to the consumer’s bank account.

•Make sure you are on a secure website before entering your personal information.

•Make sure you know what shipping and processing fees you are paying.

•Make sure you know the website’s return policy before placing an order.

The following are tips while shopping out and about:

•Never carry large amounts of cash

•Only carry the credit cards you intend to use

•Watch out for shoulder surfers while at the checkout

•Place packages in the trunk or out of site while shopping

•Never travel with a purse or wallet lying on your seat. It takes less than 10 seconds at a red light for someone to break your window and take your belongings.

•Always check the store’s return policy

•Never talk to strangers that approach you in the parking lot

Identity thieves and scammers prey on innocent consumers during the holiday season, so protect yourself. If you feel at any time that you are not safe, call 911 and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement.