East New York residents are holding their belongings a bit closer these days — after police say two men have been on the prowl, snatching purses.

It’s a crime that some neighbors say reveals a person’s true character.

“I wasn’t raised that type of way,” said one neighbor. “That doesn’t sit right with me. As a man, you’re not supposed to go out and do that stuff to women. Especially a 60-year-old. When I heard, that broke my heart.”

In early December, police say the pair approached a 60-year-old woman, demanded money, and then pushed her to the ground. Police say the pair forcibly took the woman’s purse before running off.

Police say it has happened three other times.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened, but it doesn’t surprise me,” said Autumn, a resident of East New York. “Not just with this area, but any area that has train stations above ground on the street like this. I try to pay as much attention as possible.”

The purse snatchers appear to not only target women but women specifically in the East New York area. All four of the incidents reported to police happened just minutes away from each other.

In two cases, the victims' cell phones were also stolen.

Residents say all they can do is stay vigilant, but even that may not be enough.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact police.