Police have released video of a frightening robbery in which a woman was dragged 75 yards by a car as a thief stole her bag. 

It happened around 5:20 p.m. on the 1000 block of Johnson Parkway in St. Paul. A woman was unloading shopping items into the trunk of her vehicle when a stolen Hyundai Elantra snuck up from behind, with a passenger exiting the vehicle and grabbing the woman's bag. 

As the woman clung to her belongings, the thief shut the car door and the woman's arm got caught in the strap of her bag. Fortunately, she didn't suffer major injuries despite being dragged approximately 75 yards through the parking lot. 

St. Paul PD says there have been more than 20 reports of robberies since Nov. 20. 

"They sneak up from behind. They jump out of stolen cars. They strike at all hours of the day and night, in all parts of the city. Their victims are women, walking alone, typically carrying a purse or bag," St. Paul PD said. 

Common characteristics from the attackers include: 

• Black males, ages 15-30, wearing hoods or hats to conceal their identity. 
• They target woman aged 40+ who are alone and carrying a purse or bag. 
• Sneak up on victims and rip purse or bag away. 
• Become physically violent or make threats to victims that resist. 

"If you know who’s responsible for these crimes, please call us right away at 651-266-5650," St. Paul PD said.