A 66-year-old woman is recovering after a mugger attacked her Monday night at the Willow Grove Park Mall.
"This is an extremely rare incident up here," said Abington Township Police Deputy Chief John Livingood. "We never have this kind of crime."
Around 8 p.m. the alleged attacker came from behind to knock the victim to the ground as she left a Macy's department story and entered a second-level parking lot, according to officials.
Police say the suspect pulled her pocketbook from her shoulder before fleeing. Officials added the victim believes her attacker was hiding between parked cars before pushing the victim to the ground.
Moments after the robbery, one of the victim's credit cards was used at a Wawa on Moreland Road in Abington, according to police.
The suspect arrived at the convenience store as a passenger in a maroon four door sedan.
The victim, who was transported to Abington Memorial Hospital for treatment, told police she suffered injuries to her nose, mouth, teeth, hands and knees.
Anyone with information about the attack should contact the Abington Township Police Department.
And officers are reminding holiday shoppers to avoid distractions that could make you an easy target.
"Checking Facebook, checking texts, talking on the phone, that short walk from where you are to where you want to go," said Abington Police Officer Andy Gibbs, "Just make sure your head is up and your hands are free."