Local residents have helped police arrest two teenagers,
following the "cowardly" robbery of a 98-year-old woman in
Morrinsville yesterday.
Sergeant Mark Toomey said the incident happened about 11am.
"A 98-year-old had gone down to the local supermarket to buy
some Christmas mince pies and was on her way home when two
16-year-old males began following her.
"When she got to her home by the corner of Lear and Anderson
Streets, she tucked her purse under her arm and went to check
her mailbox. As she bent over the offenders struck, grabbing
her purse running down the road."
Mr Toomey said a number of people saw the woman in distress
and came to her aid.
"When they found out what had happened, that was it; one
48-year-old man pursued the offenders on his pushbike and
apprehended one offender while others relayed descriptions
and direction of travel to responding police via the 111
phone service."
Police arrived and arrested one boy, and found a second soon
after, Mr Toomey said.
"Though one offender made a full and frank confession, the
other is still being interviewed. We recovered the money
taken from the lady but so far we have been unable to locate
her purse."
Both accused are due to appear in the Morrinsville Youth
Court on theft charges on Friday.
Mr Toomey said police were pleased but not really surprised
by the Morrinsville public's reaction to what happened.
"I think most people would be appalled at an attack on a
98-year-old woman and want to take action," he said.
"In this case that action is exactly what we ask for, the
quick and accurate passing of information to police that
allows us to take action. It just goes to show that by
working together we can make our communities safer places to
live by showing this type of behaviour won't be tolerated."
The incident follows a similar chase by residents in
Hamilton's Fairview Downs late last month.
The Alderson Rd residents took to foot, phone and bicycle to
help police hunt down a gang of burglars.
Four males aged 15 to 18 were charged for burglary-related
crimes.
- Paul Harper of Herald Online
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