Bag thief strikes at recycling centre

ANITA MORAN | 14th March 2008

A bag snatcher is picking on tidy Kiwis in Rotorua.

The culprit appeared to be just another recycler at Rotorua's In-Town Recycling Centre yesterday, even pulling in his car door so Sandra Fuller could pass between his and her own car.

She thought he was being a gentleman.

The next thing she knew he was driving off with her handbag.

Mrs Fuller said her bag was in clear view as she emptied her car while recycling.

"You're going back and forth from the boot, it's not like you can lock your car with the boot open."

She had $12 in her wallet which also contained credit cards, a cheque book and driver's licence.

"It is going to be such a hassle to get all those things back."

After speaking to people at the recycling centre Mrs Fuller was told two similar incidents happened the day before although police told her they had received only one other complaint.

Sergeant John Cassidy, of the Rotorua police Intelligence Section, confirmed two complaints were received this week.

"This is our first ever instance of people being targeted at the recycling centre.

"People need to be extra vigilant and lock their vehicles - even if they are away from it for a short period of time."

Manager of the Intown Recycling Centre Alan Foote said there had been no such incidents in the 18 months he had worked at the centre.

"All I can say is that patrons should lock their vehicles. I'm looking at getting signs to put up at the recycling centre - lock your vehicle and hide valuables signs.

"It is unfortunate that we have to go this way but we will do it if we have to."

Mrs Fuller said that might help counter such thefts.

"The thing is people just go there and drop off their recycling and go again."

Having her handbag stolen was the last thing she expected to happen at a recycling centre, she said.

"I just want to warn people and let them know that this can happen - it's so unfair."

Mr Cassidy said witnessesshould contact police.