Newcastle city police are asking for help from the public after a woman's hand bag was stolen from West's Leagues Club in New Lambton.
Senior Constable Juan Mahoney said the 89 year old woman was in a gaming area at around 11.40am yesterday when her hand bag was taken from between two machines.
"The female offender, only described as aboriginal appearance, has been on the other side of the machines and the offender has reached in between the machines stolen the victims hand bag, stuffing it into another hand bag she was carrying and fleeing from the club," said Senior Constable Mahoney.
After the incident the victim attempted to alert her husband when her leg was caught in her seat and she fell, fracturing her hip.
The victim was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she will undergo surgery on her hip
