Elderly woman, 91 traumatised after bag-snatching

File photo / NZ Herald

A 91-year-old woman has been left traumatised after having her handbag snatched in Masterton.

Police said the woman had just withdrawn cash and travelled to the Masterton council buildings on her mobility scooter to pay her rates.

As she was leaving the building a young man ripped her handbag out of her hands and fled in a nearby vehicle.

The woman was initially taken to hospital because she was traumatised by the incident.

She is now being cared for by family and getting assistance from Victim Support.

Detective Sergeant Rob Rackliff said the bag snatching incident would horrify the Masterton community.

"I'm disgusted by this crime and I'm sure all of our community will be as well."

Mr Rackliff said police found the vehicle the offender had escaped in on Ngaumutawa Rd a short time after the crime.

He said they had spoken to the driver but it was believed the offender had escaped through the grounds of a nearby Webstar building.

The woman's handbag was recovered a short time after the crime without any cash inside, he said.

Police described the offender as a tall Maori man in his early 20s, with slim build, shaved hair and wearing blue jeans or shorts and a light coloured singlet.

He possible had tribal tattoos on both arms, police said.

To give information, contact Wairarapa Police on 06 3600 300 Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.