HOUSTON -- A local woman said she was robbed inside a grocery store while checking out, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

"I had a very bad feeling the minute they walked up," said Teres Counts.

Counts said she was at the Kroger store on San Felipe Street at Voss Road late Sunday night.  While at the self-checkout station, she said two men came near her and started to read magazines.  She started to ask the attendant questions about the item when she said one of the men snatched her purse from the child safety seat and took off through the shopping cart bay.

"It happened within five minutes," said Teres.

Teres said the thieves stole money, credit cards and her keys.  Tere said replacing all her belongings, getting her car towed home and her house rekeyed cost her $1,500.

Another woman who spoke to KPRC Local 2 over the weekend said a man followed her home from a River Oaks area grocery store and assaulted her in her own house.

Self-defense instructors Jim and Sandra Baylor run the Rape Aggression Defense program and have some tips for women in the store.

"Always be aware of your surroundings," said Jim Baylor.

Baylor said that if you're walking out of the grocery store, scan the parking lot and look for loitering cars.  If anyone seems suspicious, go back into the store.  You can also ask someone from the store to escort you to your car.

As for being inside the store, Baylor said to use the child safety belt to hook the strap to your purse.  If you hang your purse under the seat, it makes it harder to steal.

When getting into your car, it is not too much to look inside and check under your vehicle before getting inside.

KPRC Local 2 called Kroger to ask if it had security.  The store would not comment on its security, but said the matter is under investigation and it is cooperating with authorities.