SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Someone is preying on people doing everyday chores, such as unloading groceries or checking the mailbox, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Investigators in Sugar Land said there have been at least five attacks in the past two weeks. Some were at gunpoint in garages and driveways of homes.

Two occurred in the Sugar Creek subdivision.

Two women attacked, beat and robbed a 78-year-old woman in her driveway after she picked up some groceries, according to authorities.

An 85-year-old woman on Fox Briar in Sugar Creek pulled into her garage when a woman walked in and snatched her purse while a man grabbed her disabled husband.

Police said a few hours later, two women walked into a Wal-Mart on Westheimer Road and shopped for clothes and shoes, and tried to pay using the victim's stolen credit card.

Investigators hope someone will recognize the thieves on surveillance tape.

The women left the store in a white sedan. Two robbery victims described seeing a white car drive off after their crimes.

Police warn residents to always be aware of their surroundings.

"A lot of times we get from crime victims -- 'He came out of nowhere. These criminals just appeared. I turned around and I'm looking down the barrel of a gun.' Obviously, the mind is busy somewhere else -- what else is going on tonight," said Officer Harris Johnston of the Sugar Land Police Department. "Let's focus on what we're doing right now."

If a resident spots someone suspicious, he or she should drive around the block and not get out of the vehicle.

Lyn Hendrickson lives in Sugar Creek. She now closes her garage door quickly.

"The one thing we are doing that we never used to do is we keep our garage closed. My husband is a 'putzer' when he gets off work and he likes to prune the bushes and do things. And we are careful now," she said.

Police said similar crimes have been reported in New Territory, Stafford and other parts of Fort Bend County. It is not yet known if they are connected.

Anyone with information is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS.