An alleged handbag thief who targeted older women in Brisbane shopping centre carparks – with one victim in her 80s sustaining a fractured shoulder – has been nabbed by Queensland Police.
Detectives from Upper Mount Gravatt Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 37-year-old Sunnybank Hills man over the string of alleged thefts.
“It will be alleged the man stole handbags and purses from eight women whilst they walked through shopping centre carparks at Carindale, Upper Mount Gravatt, Sunnybank Hills and Greenslopes,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
Police say the thefts occurred between February 14 and February 28.
“The youngest victim was 54-years-old and three victims are aged in their eighties, one of whom suffered a fractured shoulder when the man allegedly grabbed her bag,” Police said.
“It will be further alleged on March 10 the man attempted to steal items from a Carindale supermarket when he was recognised by security from CCTV of earlier offences.”
The man has been charged with one count of robbery with violence, six counts of steal from person, and one count each of stealing and enter premises.
He is expected to reappear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 3.
