Mum victim of handbag snatch while chasing her kids in shops

A SPATE  of handbag thefts in the inner west of Sydney has prompted police to issue a warning to shoppers to keep alert.

A mystery abandoned handbag left on a doorstep in Leichhardt, which was handed in to Glebe Police.

A SPATE  of handbag thefts in the inner west of Sydney has prompted police to issue a warning to shoppers to keep alert.

In one case, a mum sitting at a table at the Marrickville Metro food court became the victim of a bag theft when she got up to chase one of her children who had run away.

On the same afternoon, on June 4, another woman accidentally left her handbag on the counter of the Donut King stall for “only 10 seconds” after a purchase.

She took a few steps and then dropped her change. Realising she didn’t have her handbag, she went back and it was gone.

In another incident, in Thomas St, Lewisham, an unattended handbag was stolen from a doctor’s surgery, and on Parramatta Rd, Stanmore, a store worker had her handbag removed from a desk.

This bag was given to Marrickville Police on June 18.

An abandoned myster handbag left on a doorstep in Dulwich Hill.

Marrickville Police Crime Prevention Officer Alyssa Heath reminded shoppers to be vigilant.

“Incidents of opportunistic crime such as stealings and bag snatching have increased in the Marrickville Local Area Command in recent months,” she said.

She said children should not be left alone to mind bags and property and recommended that handbags be worn across the shoulders and chest and ensure the bags have a strong strap.

Some missing handbags have turned up at Dulwich Hill and Leichhardt, but police are yet to confirm if they belong to the reported thefts. Two women have reported finding abandoned handbags left on their front doorsteps on June 17.

Police also warned against carrying large amounts of cash or valuables and reminded shoppers never to leave their bags unattended.

A spokeswoman for Marrickville Metro said the centre encouraged all visitors to keep their personal belongings close.

If you see any suspicious or criminal activity, report it to Marrickville Police immediately on 9568 9299.