A female tourist visiting Lochaber had her handbag snatched by an opportunist thief apparently pretending to ask for directions.
An investigation has been launched and police have urged anyone with dashcams in their cars to check for any footage which might help.
A local councillor said he was “shocked” by the theft, adding it was an unusual type of crime for rural Lochaber.
The incident happened at around 4.30pm on Tuesday in a layby on the A82 Fort William to Glasgow north of the Corran Ferry junction.
The victim, a holidaymaker from mainland Europe, was parked in the layby in a green Land Rover when a dark-coloured car pulled up behind.
A young man holding a map approached the Land Rover holding a map before grabbing the woman’s handbag and then driving off in the direction of Fort William.
The suspect is described as being around 18-20 and of medium build.
He was wearing a black baseball cap.
Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Andrew Baxter said: “I’m shocked that that kind of thing has happened here in Lochaber.
“It’s more like the sort of thing you hear about happening in the big cities.
“The important message to visitors is that this kind of thing is extremely rare and indeed is a one-off as far as I’m aware.”
Mr Baxter urged anyone with information to contact the police.
Officers are now trying to track down the man suspected of the theft or his vehicle.
The force have made a witness appeal, particularly focusing on anyone with dashboard-mounted cameras, in an attempt to trace the man.
A police spokeswoman said: “The police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them and for anyone who may have cameras mounted to their vehicles to check for any footage which may assist the investigation.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact the police at Fort William on 101”
“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
