19 Oct 2016

Bag-snatchers had young child in getaway car

6:17 pm on 19 October 2016

Bag-snatchers linked to two separate assaults in Hawke's Bay had a young child in their getaway car, according to local police.

The incidents happened within 30 minutes of each other in Taradale and Napier on Saturday and involved two women - described as Māori or Pacific Islanders - attempting to steal handbags.

In Taradale, a woman in her 60s was assaulted but members of the public were able to intervene, while in Napier a tourist had her bag stolen.

In both cases, the offenders took off in a maroon-coloured sedan driven by a man, with a child about six years old also seen in the vehicle, the police said.

They were asking anyone with information about either attack to contact them.

There was a risk of serious injury when offenders tried to snatch handbags, and they advised victims to let go and call 111 immediately, they said.