By CASEY NEILL
A thief smashed a bottle over a man’s head and stole his phone as he sat on a Dandenong bench, police allege.
Greater Dandenong CIU Detective Senior Constable Marisa Owens said the 40-year-old victim was in Lonsdale Street about 9pm on Monday 30 May when the alleged assault and robbery took place.
She said a 24-year-old Chadstone man asked the victim for his phone and hit him in the back of the head with a backpack when he refused.
The victim tripped over on the road as he tried to flee, Det Sen Const Owens said, and the thief allegedly produced a bottle and smashed it over the victim’s head.
The thief fled with a plastic bag containing cash and other miscelaneous items of no value.
The victim was taken to Dandenong Hospital with minor lacerations.
Det Sen Const Owen said the Canine Unit arrested a man a short time later.
She said a witness – a dark-skinned man with blue clothing and gloves – was seen in the area at the time, and urged him and anyone else with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
