Terrifying new crime spree targeting drivers Mon, 5 Jul 2021, 12:52PM Police are investigating a series of bag snatchings from front seats in Papatoetoe and Botany. Photo / NZ Herald Terrifying new crime spree targeting drivers Mon, 5 Jul 2021, 12:52PM Thieves are using a terrifying tactic to snatch bags from unsuspecting shoppers - and it's been captured on CCTV. Counties Manukau police warn that thieves are blocking parked cars from reversing out of their car parks, before opening passenger doors and grabbing handbags from the front seat. Botany and Papatoetoe have been worst hit by the crime spree, said Sergeant Nicolas Jensen. "The method in which these crooks offend, they'll park their vehicle behind yours. The passenger will exit their vehicle, run to yours, steal your handbag and they're gone."