'Disgraceful' Attacks on Elderly (Australia)

Elderly suffer 'disgraceful' attacks

By Daniel Emerson
March 28, 2008 - 10:05AM

Police are hunting for suspects who committed two separate random acts of violence in the past 24 hours against elderly Sydney women who required medical attention.
An 86-year-old woman with a walking stick was treated by paramedics for cuts and bruises after she was flattened by a bag-snatcher on Mill Street in Carlton yesterday about 2.30pm.
The offender - wearing a red T-shirt and black shorts - quickly fled in a car parked on nearby Cumberland Street.
About an hour and 15 minutes later, a 77-year-old woman was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital suffering a possible eye injury after a window of a bus she was travelling on in Leichhardt was smashed with a projectile.
St George police acting inspector Ellen Broadhurst said more witnesses to the Carlton bag-snatching would be interviewed today over what she described as a "callous and opportunistic crime''.
"Because of the age and shock of the elderly victim, the description she gave of the offender was unfortunately very vague,'' acting inspector Broadhurst said.
She said the bag-snatching combined with the attack on the bus at Leichhardt had added up to a miserable day for Sydney seniors.
"The violence these offenders are subjecting our elderly community to is just disgraceful,'' she said.
The president of the NSW Council on the Ageing, Kath Brewster, said violence against elderly people seemed to be increasing.
"There are more elderly people these days and they seem to be an easy target,'' she said.
"They are cowardly attacks, there's no two ways about it, but they are part of a wider lack of respect to elderly people.''

Ms Brewster said it was important elderly people did not feel afraid to leave their homes because remaining active and getting exercise was vital later on in life.
She encouraged friends and family of those responsible for the violent crimes to dob the perpetrators in.

"We would encourage anybody who is aware of activities like these to report them and support the people who have been subject to these attacks,'' she said. "t's important that these people do know that they are supported.''

Anyone with information about the Carlton bag-snatching can contact St George Detectives on 8566 7499 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information about the attack on the bus in Leichhardt can be directed to Glebe Police by calling (02) 9552 8099 or Crime Stoppers.


SOURCE: SMH Australia
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