A WOMAN’S lucky escape from being a bag snatch victim has prompted her to warn others about the crime.
Mandy (surname withheld), who works in East Tamaki, says she almost had her handbag stolen at The Hub, Botany last Tuesday.
She told the Times her story so others would know the methods some thieves use to steal handbags and purses.
She’d driven to the Westpac Bank about 10.30am, and was pulling into a car park.
“[Then] a dark grey Nissan Primera turned in behind me and a big guy got out of the passenger side and approached my car.”
She describes him as a Maori male aged 45 to 50 years.
The man proceeded to explain an elaborate story, saying his credit union cash flow card had become stuck in an ATM.
“He said the nearest Credit Union bank is Glen Innes and he is nearly out of petrol, would I be able to give him $4 so he can put petrol in his car.
“At that point I opened my bag and fortunately I didn’t have my purse with me, so therefore I didn’t give any money.”
The man then returned to his vehicle. In the driver’s seat was a younger male who’d left the engine running.
Mandy says she went into the bank and told staff what had happened.
“They told me these guys are bag snatchers that have been working the Botany area.
“They are waiting for people to get their wallets out then they snatch them through the window from you while you are sitting in the car.”
Police were called to the scene and spoke to bank staff, and Mandy is also passing the details to authorities.
“People need to know that this sort of thing is happening.
“When they approach you they take you by surprise, so you need to beware.”
