The efforts of two witnesses to a crime in progress led to the perpetrators fleeing the scene without any stolen goods.

The incident occurred Tuesday at Longo’s grocery store at 1079 Maple Ave. in Milton.

One of the two suspects distracted the woman while another man attempted to steal her purse in the store parking lot. Two other women in an adjacent medical centre observed the situation and ran out yelling and screaming at the two men, who fled empty-handed.

Police later learned a third male had been following the potential victim in the store before the attempted theft, using a cellphone while watching the woman as she paid for items.

“An amazing example of citizens looking out for each other and being aware of their surroundings,” said Det. Sgt. Dave Costantini One District criminal investigations bureau. “The quick actions of the witnesses in this case thwarted the theft.”

Costantini said the women’s decision to scare off the suspects and not physically attempt to halt them was a smart move.

Police describe the first suspect as having light blue puffy jacket, dark hat, brown skin, black hair and speaking with an undetermined accent.

The second suspect has brown skin, black hair, spoke with an undetermined accent and wore a red puffy jacket and dark hat.

The third suspect has brown skin and black hair and was wearing a black baseball cap with a logo.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- 477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.