Phuket Police on lookout for snatch artists in Kata

PHUKET: Police are searching for two men who conducted a drive-by purse snatch in Kata last night.

Russian tourist Irana Yazvenko, 29, told Chalong Police that she and her friend were riding a motorbike near the Club Med resort at about 9pm when two men pulled up on a motorbike alongside them, snatched her bag and sped off.

Capt Teanchai Dungsuwan of the Chalong Police explained that Ms Yazvenko was riding pillion when the attacked occurred.

“The thieves rode up close and snatched the purse right off her shoulder. The women were afraid of being attacked, so they did not follow the two men,” he added.

Reported as stolen were two mobile phones, US$100 in cash and a digital camera.

“We don’t have many details to follow up on since Ms Yazvenko cannot remember much about the two men, but we are searching for them.

“We will check CCTV footage from cameras in the area and see what we can do,” said Capt Teanchai.

Last night’s attack follows the bungled bag snatch in June that ended with the fatal stabbing of 64-year-old Australian tourist and travel agent Michelle Smith.

The two men arrested for that attack were sentenced to life in prison.

— Atchaa Khamlo