Cash-packed handbag stolen

File photo / NZ Herald

Whangarei police are looking for three young men who stole money and passports from tourists at a popular Northland sightseeing spot yesterday.

The three tourists were robbed of a handbag containing a large amount of New Zealand cash and British passports, at the Whangarei Falls carpark at 4.10pm yesterday.

Sergeant John Fagan said the tourist have been in the country for only a week and are dismayed at being robbed in New Zealand having travelled extensively elsewhere without any problems.

"Despite a number of police units able to cordon the area the three offenders and the bag were not located," he said.

Mr Fagan said the three offenders are described as male Maori teenagers wearing dark clothing.

"It is believed they are local due to their knowledge of nearby walkways and that they will be unable to keep the fact that they are in possession of a large amount of money a secret," he said.

"Police would like to hear from any persons who have knowledge of the incident or know of any persons fitting the description and who have suddenly got a substantial amount of cash."

Police are following a some enquiries and will be reviewing CCTV footage in the area.

- NZ HERALD STAFF