Nine arrests have been made in connection with what police describe as a bag snatching ring in Auckland.
A series of handbag thefts between March - May this year involved mainly Asian women.
Police say an organized gang was targeting people from Asian and ethnic communities at shopping malls.
Their targets were thought to be carrying large sums in cash, jewelry, and credit cards.
Nine men now face a number of charges including theft, car theft, and aggravated robbery.
