Maybe handbag thief's helper? (9)
I believe the answer is:
accessory
This clue might be a double definition.
'maybe handbag' is the first definition.
(I know that handbag is a type of bag)
'thief's helper?' is the second definition.
'accessory' can be an answer for 'helper?' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'thief's' bit.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for accessory that I've seen before include "Adjunct" , "additional" , "One assisting a crime" , "Kind of accomplice or clothes add-on" , "Person who helps another commit a crime" .)