Warning after bag snatch attack

A HALLAM woman was dragged along the ground at Westfield Fountain Gate last week after thieves snatched her handbag while driving past in the car park.
Omer Balkaya said his wife, Tulay, 50, was on her way back to her car at the northern end of the undercover car park about midday last Thursday when two offenders drove past and grabbed her handbag and dragged her several metres.
“Someone in the passenger side reached out…she was pulled down and dragged for a bit,” Mr Balkaya said.
He said his wife received injuries to her arms, wrist, knees, had a swollen hand and went through “a lot of trauma”.
“She was scared. She doesn’t want to go to the shops.”
Mr Balkaya said he wanted people to be careful in shopping centre car parks after what happened to his wife and encouraged people to park close to an entrance or near cameras if they could.
“For elderly and females they should be very, very, careful especially coming towards Christmas.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery and are looking for a white 80s model Pulsar hatch.
The male passenger has been described as Caucasian with light brown hair and a moustache.
Anyone with information is urged to call Senior Constable Paul Holland at Narre Warren police station on 9705 3111.