Boys snatch tourist's bag

Police are urging visitors to Northland to be careful of their property.

Police are appealing for help in catching three teenage boys who snatched a tourist's bag in Paihia yesterday.

The boys, thought to be aged about 14-15, grabbed the bag as a young American woman was dozing on Paihia Village Green about 1pm.

She alerted her partner, who had just gone to their car, the pair giving chase around the Green and then down Marsden Rd towards Kings Rd before losing sight of the boys.

Sergeant Peter Masters, of Paihia police, said the green shoulder bag with a floral print contained passports, cash and cards, which the couple cancelled immediately.

He commended a 12-year-old girl who saw one of the boys flee down Marsden Rd.

She had noticed him in town earlier because he was wearing a black hoodie on a hot day.

"Locals are so brassed off. They know how important visitors are to Paihia."

He also urged anyone visiting Northland to be as careful of their property while on holiday as they would be at home.

Call Paihia station on (09) 402 7130 if you have any information.