HOUSTON – In the blink of an eye, a pair of thieves stole all the money a couple saved up to buy their three children Christmas presents.
This is a cautionary tale for anyone shopping this holiday: never underestimate the speed of a thief.
"I had just put in the first or second bag when they did it," said Audrey Campbell.
Campbell and her three children were shopping at a grocery store off the Beltway near Sabo last Thursday. The grocery run also included a quick trip to the ATM.
"I had just gone to the ATM and pulled off money for Christmas shopping, so I don't know if they targeted me from that point or what," said Campbell.
Campbell said she was busy getting her kids and bags in the car when another car drove by and a woman snatched her purse out of the shopping cart.
Campbell said the thieves didn't even bother to get out of their car. Campbell said they only slowed down enough for a woman in the passenger seat to lean out of the window and grab her purse.
"Almost hit me with her car to yank the purse," said Campbell. "It was about $600, all my identification, some of my kids' identification."
Campbell's husband, Justin Campbell, said in addition the money, they now have to worry about identity theft.
"My card, her card, we talked to the IRS today about the Social Security card and everything that was in there," said Justin Campbell.
Unfortunately, neither Campbell nor security cameras got a look at a license plate. Campbell said the video only showed a red, newer-model Toyota Camry or Corolla with a man driving and a woman in the passenger seat.
The Campbells said they hope their story will serve as a warning to holiday shoppers to always pay attention and take precautions.
"I'm not even going to bring a purse with me anymore," said Campbell.
If you do know something about this crime, please call Crimestoppers at 713-222-TIPS.