Old lady mugged for $1100

An elderly woman had her Christmas shopping money stolen when her handbag was swiped from her hands while sitting in a parked car with the window down.

The 83-year-old had just withdrawn $700 from a money machine at Awapuni Shopping Centre. She was waiting for her daughter-in-law to return from a service station toilet after helping her into the passenger seat.

A woman in her late 20s was seen to come out of a nearby chemist's shop, go to the driver's window of the vehicle then look about before running back to the car, leaning in the open window and grabbing the handbag out of the woman's hands.

The handbag contained about $1100.

The victim has arthritis and did not have the strength to resist.

The incident, that occurred at about 11.15am last Thursday, is now under investigation by Palmerston North police.

They believe that a woman, who was at the money machine when the elderly victim was escorted there by her daughter-in-law, may well have also been involved in the theft of the bag.

She told the victim she could go first and stood by while the two discussed the large sum to be withdrawn.

Police said the victim was distraught and in shock from the whole incident.

"We believe both females described are involved as the one at the machine heard the amount to be withdrawn," said Detective Sergeant Tim Moffatt.

Police ask anyone in the area at the time to contact them Constable Robyn Pewhairangi on Crimeline, 0800-80-85-85.

- © Fairfax NZ News