Police say the 78-year-old was driving her scooter along a bridge over the Yarrowee River near Leith Street when the robbery took place just before 1pm.

The elderly woman told investigators that two young men approached her from behind on the bridge, before they stopped her and demanded cash.

She had just picked up her entire pension payment and was almost home when she was targeted.

“I was very shaken up. It makes you truly sick that people can do this,” she said.

“I had just taken my pension out so now I don’t have that anymore.

“I won’t go that way anymore, I’ll have to find another way to get home.”

The shaken women said the culprits needed to be hit with the full force of the law if found.

“I don’t know why they can’t just leave old people alone,” she said.

Detective Senior Constable Troy Wickham said the robbery was a cowardly act.

“We’re concerned with these sort of attacks given the vulnerability of elderly victims,” he said.

“It was a busy road, in the middle of the day – someone must have seen something.

Detective Senior Constable Wickham said police were unable to establish whether or not the offenders were carrying a weapon, but said the victim was “shaken” nonetheless.

He said the woman did not sustain any injuries during the incident.

“They are described as being in their late teens to early 20s. One of the males had dark olive skin and was wearing a light blue, long- sleeved t-shirt,” he said.

“We’re asking anyone with any information – no matter how insignificant – to contact us as soon as they can.”

Anyone with information on the robbery can call Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit on 5336 6000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

jordan.oliver@fairfaxmedia.com.au