A GANG of youths approached a woman to ask for a cigarette before snatching her purse and running off.
The snatch happened in Wellington Street, near Hull Road, York.
About five youths approached the 22-year-old woman and a friend as she was counting some money.
Sergeant Colin Ventress said: "One of the youths asked for a cigarette, she said no, then he grabbed her purse and ran off towards Heslington Road.
"There was no threat of violence and neither woman was hurt."
The pink purse contained bank cards and a driving licence. The youth who grabbed the purse was said to be of mixed race, aged 15 or 16, 5ft 5in tall, wearing a white top, possibly with a cap underneath, and dark trousers.
The incident happened at about 10pm on Wednesday. Any witnesses are asked to phone the police on 01904 631321.
Updated: 09:40 Friday, March 21, 2003
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