Hamilton Police are investigating an assault on an elderly woman and the theft of her handbag at a residential property in Fifth Avenue yesterday afternoon.
Detective Sergeant Nick O'Brien of the Hamilton CIB said Police were alerted by a neighbour of the victim at about 1.00pm.
"Our victim came home and parked her car in the garage. She was then approached by a young man who initiated a conversation with her in the driveway."
"This man has then used force to take the woman’s handbag from her, causing her to fall to the ground. The man then left the property on foot and was last seen in the Fifth Avenue/Tramway Road area. The victim is obviously traumatised by this experience and was subsequently taken to Waikato Hospital for observation."
"This was a cowardly act against a vulnerable member of our community.”
Mr O’Brien said that Police wish to speak to anyone who saw the suspect, described as a teenage light-skinned male Maori, wearing a red cap, in the vicinity between midday and 1pm.
"If you saw someone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the attack, we ask that you contact Constable Kerry Tinworth at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.”
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS