Gang preys on elderly

Police say a "highly organised" group of females is preying on elderly women and snatching their handbags in public places on Auckland's North Shore.

Sergeant Scott Cunningham said they were targeting women at shopping malls, supermarkets and retail outlet carparks, taking handbags and purses left sitting in shopping trolleys or on the front seats of vehicles.

The thefts were "despicable", Mr Cunningham said.

The thieves recently approached an 81-year-old woman who was sitting in her car and told her she had a flat tyre. As the woman went to inspect the wheel, they stole her handbag.

Mr Cunningham said elderly women drivers should ensure their passenger doors were locked when they were alone, especially when entering or leaving carparks.

He urged victims to contact police immediately with a description of the thief and any other details, such as a car registration.