By Karen Poh
ELDERLY residents have been the target of a recent spate of robberies in Hobsons Bay.
The first incident took place about 12.45pm on Wednesday 16 July when a man snatched a 77-year-old woman’s handbag while she was waiting for a bus on Hammer St, Williamstown. He then fled in a black or dark coloured small hatchback. Police said the man was about 175cm and wearing a red baseball cap, denim jacket and a check shirt.
The second robbery took place about 10.45am the next day at a bus stop on Civic Parade, Altona, when a man pinned a 70-year-old woman to a pole as the bus was approaching, making off with her handbag.
The man was last seen running towards Rose St and climbing into a navy or dark-coloured mid-1990s Commodore, police said.
He is described as being in his 30s, 187cm, Caucasian, of thin build and wearing a dark windcheater, dark jeans and an orange baseball cap.
On Friday 18 July a 63-year-old woman’s handbag snatched while she was walking along Fenfield St, Altona, about 10.20am.
The man then ran down Fenfield St and turned into Linwood Avenue. The offender was wearing a dark jacket, pants and a white beanie. He is believed to be about 188cm and of thin build.
Later that day at 1.10pm, a 76-year-old woman also had her handbag snatched while she was walking towards the bus stop on Jack St, Newport. The offender ran down Jack St turning into Challis St where he got into a blue or black sedan.
Police say the man is aged 28 to 32, 172cm, of thin build, and pale complexion. He was wearing a dark long-sleeved top and trousers and a dark-coloured cap with a white peak. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
