Shoppers frequenting malls and other areas of retailer interest in South Auckland should look after their handbags, jewellery and items kept in their person, a Counties Manukau Police notification has warned.
It is understood that female shoppers and especially those of Asian origin are specific targets for thieves.
The Police have registered a number of handbag thefts in Pakuranga, Botany, Papatoetoe and Otahuhu in recent weeks.
Counties Manukau Police South East Asian Liaison Officer Constable Gurpreeet Singh Arora said that the cases indicated that women from ‘certain ethnic groups” were vulnerable for thefts.
“The thieves believe that such women carry large amount of cash in their handbags. Police investigation is in progress, there are some positive lines of enquiry and some arrests are likely,” he said.
“We appeal to people who carry handbags or briefcases to secure their personal belongings by following some guidelines.”
He said people should not carry large amounts of cash and be alert to people who appear suspicious and linger around car park areas.
“After returning from shopping, do not leave your handbags inside the car or in the shopping trolley unattended, either to place your shopping bags in the boot, or to spend time talking to friends and associates. Thieves monitor ATM machines, looking for people withdrawing large amounts of cash. Use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas,” Mr Arora said.
He said thieves cared little for the safety of people and that victims sometimes suffered physical injuries.
“While it is common for people to carry credit cards, identity cards and such other items in their person, they should maintain photocopies of these cards elsewhere. It would be useful in times of theft to inform the concerned authorities, banks and insurance companies,” Mr Arora said.
Victims should contact the Police on 111 when they are in danger or in any emergency, he said.
