Police are appealing for public information to assist investigations into an attempted theft of a car at Kawana yesterday evening.

A 52-year-old local woman was in her parked car in the southern car park of Kawana Shopping Centre on Nicklin Way just before 7pm when a man approached her vehicle.

The man attempted to open her door and then put his arm through the open window.  The woman elbowed his arm away but the man then punched her in the face.

Initial investigations suggest the man was trying to steal her silver four wheel drive wagon. The woman sustained minor injury and swelling to her mouth area.

Police are searching for the man described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged between 20 and 40-years-old and slim build. He was wearing a dark hooded jumper and possibly a dark coloured beanie, long pants, work boots and black gloves.

Police would like to contact anyone who may have been in the area and have information about this incident. Police investigations are continuing.