Auckland: There has been a rise in reported incidents of handbag thefts in areas such as Botany, Pakuranga, Papatoetoe and Otahuhu.
The thieves are targeting women from certain ethnic groups who they believe regularly carry large amount of cash in their handbags. Police investigation into these incidents is ongoing and there are some positive lines of enquiry.
It is expected there will be some arrests in due course. Police would like to draw the attention of people who carry handbag or briefcases to secure their personal belongings by adopting the following guidelines.
First and above all never carry large amounts of cash in your handbag if possible and hold your handbag close to your body, advise Police.
Be very wary of suspicious looking people loitering in car parks.
When you get in your vehicle place your handbag on the passenger side floor immediately and lock your doors.
Don’t leave your handbag unattended, especially in the supermarket. Secure your handbag through the strap fitted to the trolley. Keep the trolley within sight at all times.
Take particular care when loading groceries into the car. Place your handbag inside the car, re-lock it, and then put the shopping bags in the boot.
Never leave your handbag unattended in a car and remember parking in busy areas reduces the opportunities for theft.
Thieves monitor ATM machines looking for people withdrawing large amounts of cash. To avoid attracting undesirable attention, it is sensible to withdraw only small amounts of cash at a time. Use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas.
Consider that you could put yourself at risk of serious injury, should a physical struggle occur over your handbag.
Make photo copies of the front and back of all important cards in your bag and keep them is two private locations you can get to quickly in case of theft so you can alert your credit card and insurance companies, etc
Remember your handbag security is your responsibility. Following these guidelines will reduce the risk of you becoming a victim.
In an emergency dial 111.