Police target bag snatchers: Morley

Senior Constable Green said officers were targeting bag theft largely through prevention.

“By providing crime prevention advice to potential victims and conducting high visibility foot patrols of shopping centres and car parks,” Const Green said.

“We put a high priority on the investigation of these incidents and stay in close contact with victims.”

He said police conduct foot patrols on a regular basis and meet with potential victims, including residents of retirement villages, to provide crime prevention advice.

Const Green said victims of purse and bag thefts often targeted by thieves were aged between 65 and 90 years old.

“The thefts cause great distress and takes away the confidence and independence of vulnerable elderly people,” he said.

“We request if you are a victim of theft to please contact police to report the matter.

“Our local police teams follow up on all reports and have a good working relationship with local shopping centres where CCTV is often available.”

Const Green said the message was to ‘close it, wear it and watch it’.

He urged people to be aware of their surroundings and speak with store staff if they see someone acting suspiciously.