Left: Robert Smith, Yoan Philogene and Matt Caulcutt were hailed as heroes after their efforts to help an elderly woman who was robbed in Dandenong last week.Matt and Yoan with Claire on Friday after she was released from hospital.By Nathan Johnston
THREE Dandenong North boys have been hailed as heroes after they came to the aid of an 83yearold woman who was robbed outside a house last week.
Claire, who volunteers at a charity clothes store in Dandenong, was walking home along Boyd Street about 4.15pm when an unknown man approached from behind.
He grabbed her handbag, and Claire, who relies on a walking stick, fell to the ground and gashed her head.
Matt Caulcutt, 16, Yoan Philogene, 15, and Robert Smith, 16, all on school holidays, were playing PlayStation games inside the house.
“We saw a guy run past the front window in one direction, then run back the other way,” Matt said.
“We went outside and saw a woman on the ground.
“We asked what had happened and she said a guy had snatched her bag.”
Matt and Yoan decided to search for the man while Robert took the woman inside, made her a cup of tea and made sure she was safe until emergency services arrived.
“Mum was proud of us, but I think she thought we’d done something wrong when the police pulled up,” Robert said.
Matt said a man ran towards Menzies Avenue and the public toilets at Menzies Reserve.
Yoan said he grabbed a piece of timber and walked towards the person he believed was responsible for the robbery.
He said the man ran off, leaving the handbag behind and dropping his mobile phone in the process.
“It was just the right thing to do,” Yoan said.
“She was elderly, she was hurt and she was left on the ground. How could we just let it happen?
“I feel happy with what we did.”
Police later used the phone to identify and apprehend a 24yearold Dandenong man.
He was arrested and charged with robbery and recklessly causing injury.
The man has been bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 28 October.
Senior Detective Des Vis from the Dandenong CIU described the boys as outstanding young citizens.
“Victoria Police is happy with their actions but (chasing down suspects is) not something we’d encourage,” he said. “It’s a feelgood story for the community.
“The boys displayed great courage and skills.
“The fact that we were able to apprehend the man was a direct result of the boys’ actions.
“I’ve spoken to the victim and she was extremely thankful. She could not thank the boys enough.”
Matt said he was happy with the result.
“I feel really proud,” he said. “I used to get up to mischief myself but I think I’ve changed now.”
Claire was taken to Dandenong Hospital for treatment and was later released.
