Police are searching for an offender who stole a handbag from a 91-year-old Wairapara woman.
The woman had withdrawn cash from the bank and travelled to the Masterton council buildings to pay her rates.
As she left the building, a young male snatched her handbag and fled in a nearby vehicle. Police believe the offender saw the woman withdrawing money at the bank.
The offender was described as a male Maori, in his early 20's, tall, with a slim build and shaven hair, wearing blue jeans or shorts, and a light coloured singlet. He possibly had tribal tattoos on both arms.
Police located the getaway vehicle a short time later and spoke with the driver. They believe the offender was a passenger in the vehicle,and had decamped through the Webstar grounds.
The woman’s handbag was recovered, without the cash. She was traumatised by the incident and was initially taken to hospital, but is now being cared for by family.
Detective Sergeant Rob Rackliff says he is “disgusted by this crime and I'm sure all of our community will be as well”.
Anyone with any information should contact Wairarapa Police on (06) 3600 300 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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