Police investigate incident where woman dragged along a Johnsonville street

Police are investigating an incident in Johnsonville yesterday where a woman had her handbag grabbed from her and was dragged down the street, leaving her shaken but relatively unharmed.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd says at about 12:30pm yesterday the 46 year-old victim was walking up Frankmoore Avenue when a vehicle passed her, did a u-turn and came back and demanded her handbag.

"As the vehicle drove off, the driver grabbed the handbag that the victim was holding. She was dragged a short distance down the street until the bag came free and was taken by the driver. The vehicle drove towards Moorefield Road."

Detective Sergeant Todd says the victim sustained lacerations to her hand and knees that required medical treatment and her clothing was torn.

"This is a particularly frightening attack, especially when a person is dragged alongside a moving vehicle. We hope that the public can assist in identifying the person or vehicle involved. These types of offences are rare and isolated."

The offender is described as a European male, aged 20 -25 years, with short golden coloured hair. He was full faced with big eyes wearing a blue cap and a green-yellow luminous vest, like the type you see on building sites.

The offender's vehicle is described as dark green in colour with a back window that you couldn't see through, possibly a tinted window.

Detective Sergeant Todd says, "Police are appealing for any witnesses to the attack or any suspicious activity around the time of the incident, like a vehicle speeding from the vicinity. In particular we'd like to speak to two people who assisted the victim immediately after the incident."

Anyone with information should contact Wellington CIB on Tel: (04) 496 3454 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.