THEFTS OF HANDBAGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20496, 22 February 1930, Page 8

THEFTS OF HANDBAGS.

SNATCHERS IN WELLINGTON.

WOMEN ROBBED IN STREETS

Bag-snatchers have been active in Wellington Btrpßls during the past fortnight, and three cases have been reported to the police of woman having purses torn from their hands. In two instances the bags contained only small amounts of money, but, one woman lost £l4. 'I lie men responsible for these thefts deliberately follow or watch women whose handbags have attracted their attention. In every instance reported an opportunity has been awaited to get, (lie woman away from others in the, street, with the result that it has so far been impossible to trace any of tho offenders.

The worst ease reported is that, of a woman who had her bag containing £1.4 snatched from her hand while walking along Wellington Terrace at about, J0.30 at night. A man sprang upon her from the darkness. Another man who was walking homo was attracted by tho woman's screams. Ho ran to where she stood pointing to a figuro fast disappearing. The man gave chase, but ho lost sight of his quarry after he had clam-bered.-through a fence. Another woman had an unpleasant experience when walking homo from church in Hataitai last Sunday evening. She was suddenly confronted by throe young men, one. of whom grabbed her bag beforo she realised what had happened. Without a word ' the threo turned and ran. There was no one else about at the time, and the men were able to escape without difficulty.' . : . Tho third instance was in Moleswoith Street. While walking along [lie footpath a woman noticed a man approaching, but gave/him no thought. As he drew level , with her tho man turned quickly and grasped the woman's bag. With a sudden [ tug he tore if fiom her grasp and fled. He also was joon lost in tho darkness