The city’s top police officer has condemned a daylight robbery that resulted in an elderly woman being dragged several metres by a ruthless thief outside a Ballarat shopping centre last week.
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Ballarat CIU detectives say the 81-year-old woman was loading groceries into her car at a Grenville Street car park at 2.30pm on February 24 when an unknown man grabbed the strap of her handbag.
The elderly woman fell to the ground but held onto her handbag. She was dragged several metres during the struggle before the man yanked the bag from her hands and ran off.
The victim’s purse fell from her bag but the thief made off with her handbag, phone and house keys.
The man was last seen running south towards Eastwood Street. The woman was injured during the theft and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
Superintendent Andrew Allen labelled the incident a concerning one that was under ongoing investigation.
“I might add this type of crime is a rarity and one which I loathe due to the brazen nature of the offending,” Superintendent Allen said.
He has urged community members to vigilant in looking out for senior members of the community and ensure they are considerate of their needs.
“This is both in the community whilst going about their daily business as well as their living circumstances in checking on those who may be more vulnerable than most of us,” Superintendent Allen said.
“Our Community Engagement Officers stationed at Ballarat West are available to assist and provide advice in this regard.”
Rebel Elders member and active senior citizen Tom Rush condemned the brutal attack but believed the majority of elderly people felt safe in Ballarat.
“If you asked 100 different people, they would probably have 100 different answers, But, I think they (the offenders) should see the force of the law,” Mr Rush said.
“There are always going to be people who do the wrong thing.
“I think, generally, there is good support for elderly people and that the majority of people do the right thing and look out for others.”
The attack comes after a 34-year-old man allegedly knocked over an 89-year-old Ballarat man in November.
The thief is described as Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 30s or 40s; he was wearing a red, blue and beige checked shirt.
Olivia Shying
Police and emergency services reporter.
Police and emergency services reporter.
