Counties Manukau East CIB is currently investigating seven handbag robberies/thefts that have occurred in the East Auckland area this month.
Young men in stolen cars have targeted women in shopping centre carparks where one of the occupants of the vehicle will jump out, grab the handbag, run back to the stolen car and flee the scene.
“Commonly in all the incidents we are investigating, the offenders are young Polynesian or Maori men who are using stolen cars,” says Detective Sergeant Glenn Wilkinson. “In the latest occurrence on 19 December, the female victim hung onto her handbag when it was grabbed. The male offender dragged her 20 metres back to the stolen car, got into the car and began driving, with the victim being dragged a short distance.”
Other similar incidents have occurred at the Chapel Road Shopping Centre, Meadowlands Shopping Centre, Flatbush and Pakuranga.
“Our concerns are that the level of violence that the offenders use could escalate very quickly, meaning there is a very real risk of a victim being seriously injured.
“I’d like to get the message across to the community that if you are targeted in this type of attack, you should not try to hang you’re your bag. Just let it go, ring 111, and make a note of any descriptions of vehicles and offenders,” says Detective Sergeant Wilkinson.
In each case the victims have also been carrying large amounts of cash in their handbags.
Police advise anyone doing last minute Christmas shopping or heading out on Boxing Day to use credit or debit cards to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Additionally Police advise all Christmas shoppers to securely lock their handbag in the car before unloading any other Christmas shopping in the boot or backseat.
Investigations into each incident are ongoing. Anyone with information about the recent handbag snatches or any other crime should call Detective Sergeant Wilkinson on 09 213 9000 or to provide information anonymously contact the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour is asked to call 111.
ENDS
Issued by Kimberley Mathews/Communications Manager, Counties Manukau Police
021 192 0717