Long arm of law targeting bag snatchers

Sergeant Glenda Dobbe talks to shoppers at the Botany Town Centre yesterday as part of a police operation to show people how to combat handbag snatching. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Muggers looking to fill Christmas stockings by snatching bags better watch out.

Sergeant Glenda Dobbe took Manukau's mobile police station to two local malls yesterday to give shoppers information on how to feel safe and avoid bag snatching.

Operation Bagged follows the June death of Joanne Wang who was knocked down by a 4WD at Manukau Westfield moments after a passenger in the fleeing vehicle had snatched her bag. The mobile police station was parked near where the incident happened at Manukau Westfield. Earlier in the day it was at the Botany Town Centre.

And police earlier this year suspected a bag-snatching gang may be operating in Auckland, targeting women leaving cash machines and malls.

More than 20 - mostly Asian - women had been hit in the Waitemata district and police were collating details of similar crimes in Auckland city and Counties Manukau.

Detective Inspector John Tims, who is leading Operation Bagged said: "It is always a concern of police that bag snatches and robberies are taking place within the district. It is even more of a concern around the Christmas period when individuals and businesses are more likely to be targeted."

If you have any information on handbag snatching and robberies, phone police on 0508 4BAGGED.