Operation Bagged

Counties Manukau Police are urging the public to be vigilant in shopping areas and report any suspicious behaviour as they step up the campaign against bag snatches and street robberies.

The Christmas period is traditionally a busy time for thieves, particularly in shopping centres.

During the coming weeks, officers will be targeting, not only those who commit bag snatches and street robberies, but potential victims too.

Officers from the Mobile Police Station will be in busy shopping centres, providing people with crime prevention advice on how to stay safe and avoid becoming a target of thieves.

Police have a list of potential offenders they will be focusing on in an effort to stop such incidents occurring.

Detective Sergeant Steve Mariu, from the Major Crime Team, says each of the four areas within the Counties Manukau police district has been asked to provide details of potential offenders.

Police will then target those people in an effort to prevent them from offending.

The Mobile Police Station (MPS) will be parked in the Meadowlands, Howick area on Wednesday the 15th of December between 8am and 4pm and from 2pm until 10pm.

It will then move to the Manukau City Centre on Thursday the 23rd between 8am and 4pm and 2pm until 10pm.

The MPS will be parked in the Hunters Corner, Papatoetoe area on Friday, December 31 between 8am and 4pm and again between 2pm and 10pm.

If members of the public have information about handbag snatching and robberies police encourage them to call 0508 4224433/ 0508 4BAGGED.

This phone line is for people to provide intelligence information to police not to report a robbery or handbag snatch.

Tips to reduce the risk of becoming a bag snatch victim.

•       Don't carry large amounts of cash on you. If you must, try and have someone else with you as a deterrent
•       Be vigilant and aware of who is around you
•       Don't leave your handbag unattended or out of your sight - even for a moment
•       Before loading your car, put your handbag in your car and lock the doors
•       Don't leave handbags unattended in a locked vehicle - even if it is concealed
•       If you think you are being followed, go to a place where there are other people and phone the police