By CASEY NEILL
POLICE fear the man who snatched a blind woman’s bag in Keysborough this week could target other vulnerable people in the community.
Greater Dandenong CIU Senior Constable Matthew Lavery-Stephens said the crime, on Parkmore Road about 1.30pm on 19 May, was “a violent act committed by people who are cowards”.
“They’re deliberately targeting people who can’t defend themselves,” he said.
“We’ll do our best to make sure there’s a quick arrest on this.
“Hopefully the public will assist us with the identification of these people, or the other persons that were present in the car, so we can ensure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”
A 27-year-old Keysborough woman, who did not want to be identified, was walking home from Parkmore Shopping Centre with her guide dog, Robbie, when a dark-coloured car stopped alongside her.
“All of a sudden I felt this creep snatch my bag from behind,” she said.
“He’s a coward.”
He ran back to the vehicle, got into the back seat and the car drove away.
“It’s a criminal’s lowest act, just appalling,” she said.
“I only have limited vision. I can only see out of the left side of my eye, none in the right.”
She was angry that someone would take advantage of her.
“It’s given my confidence a bit of a shaking,” she said.
The thief didn’t speak during the incident, and the woman was not injured.
She was grateful Robbie, who’s been by her side for two years, was unhurt.
“I love him,” she said.
Her mobile phone was in the bag, along with her wallet and house keys, so she was unable to call for help.
She sought out a woman nearby who called triple zero and stayed with her until police arrived.
“I’d just like to thank the bystander so much for her help,” she said.
Det Sen Const Lavery-Stephens said police had spoken to this woman, but she did not witness the theft.
He said it was a busy time of day and other people were heard in the area.
“We’re asking people if they saw anything at all, no matter how small a detail, that they come forward,” he said.
He also appealed for anyone else who was in the vehicle to come forward.
“A crime like this shouldn’t be committed against anyone, but committed against a person like the victim in this matter – it’s a deplorable act,” he said.
Police urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.
