Police investigating a theft at Newcastle Beach yesterday (Tuesday 13 January 2015); have released an image of a woman they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.

About 1.10pm, a handbag was taken from a table at a café on Shortland Esplanade.

Police were told a woman was allegedly seen to take the handbag and walk towards the Newcastle Beach public toilets.

The woman was confronted by a witness and the owner of the handbag who then recovered the property from her.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command were contacted and are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Investigators have now released an image of a person who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The person depicted in the image is described as being a female of Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 30-40 years old, with a medium build.

At the time of the incident, she is shown in the image wearing a grey singlet top, grey hat and sunglasses.