Police are investigating three separate incidents on the Gold Coast over night where women had their handbags stolen.

Around 12.25am two women were walking along Ferny Avenue when two men approached them, grabbing their handbags. One woman was able to hold onto her bag, but the men fled with the other woman’s bag.

At 12.50am two women and a man were walking along The Esplanade when they noticed two men following them. The men snatched the women’s handbags, and managed to steal one of them, while the other woman held onto hers.

At 1.30am police were called to Palm Avenue after reports that a woman was walking along Ferny Avenue when a man grabbed her handbag. She fell over while she was trying to hold onto it, however the man ran off towards the Gold Coast Highway with her bag.

Police believe all three incidents are linked.

Investigations are continuing