WA: Elderly bag snatch victim dies after carpark attack

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-1998
WA: Elderly bag snatch victim dies after carpark attack

PERTH, Dec 21 AAP - If someone grabs your handbag ... let it go.

That was the Christmas shopping warning from police today after an elderly woman died a day
after being dragged along the ground by bag-snatchers.

Susan Breen, 83, had just finished shopping with her 58-year-old niece at Perth's La Plaza
Bentley shopping centre on Friday morning when a stolen car pulled up next to them.

"One of three males in the car grabbed her bag," Sergeant Tony Potts said.

"She held on and by the time the strap broke she had been dragged along the ground for
about a metre."

Mrs Breen was treated at Royal Perth Hospital for scratches, bruises and a swollen knee,
then discharged.

But the widow, who had a history of heart trouble, was re-admitted to the hospital by her
niece eight hours later.

"At about 10.30 (AWST) the next night she was found dead in her bed," Sgt Potts said.

"There will be a coronial inquiry, after which we will decide whether the bag-snatch was a
contributing factor to her death.

"There may be manslaughter charges arising as well as robbery," he said.

The three male offenders have not been caught.

Sgt Potts said the circumstances of Mrs Breen's death should act as a warning to shoppers
over the busy Christmas period.

"There are predatory offenders at this time of year, so be aware of that, and be aware they
tend to focus on those unable to defend themselves," Sgt Potts said.

"Carry your bag tucked under your arm, be on the look out for suspicious people near
shopping centres, and if somebody does grab your bag, let it go; property can be replaced."

Police also advised people to use in-store cash facilities instead of automatic tellers
outside shopping centres.

AAP kbw/it

KEYWORD: BAGS

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