Police in several southwestern Connecticut communities are investigating a recent string of purse snatchings targeting elderly women.

Authorities say robberies have been reported in Milford, Derby, Seymour and Ansonia, and they believe all four incidents are connected.

The Milford robbery occurred after the victim left Adam's Supermarket on New Haven Avenue, got into her car and was followed home by the suspects, police say.

Officials say the elderly woman reached her apartment building on Chapel Street, parked her car, but before she could enter the lobby, a teenage girl punched her and got away with her purse.

?I feel violated and very angry,? the woman says. ?I've been victimized twice... now I have to regain my identity and all my papers, and I have to call the bank and credit card companies.?

According to a police description, the perpetrators travel in a dark red, mid-sized SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Trailblazer or Jeep. The chief robber is said to be a thin teenage girl, and the driver of the getaway vehicle is a boy around 18 years of age.

Police advise drivers who notice they are being followed home to stay inside their vehicles and drive to the nearest police station.

Anyone with information about the purse-snatching incidents is asked to call the Milford Police Department at 203-878-6551.