Woman, 81, in hospital after being knocked over following Casula phone store robbery

An 81-year-old woman is in hospital with a fractured pelvis after being knocked over by a teenager following a distraction-style robbery in Sydney’s southwest. WATCH THE VIDEO.

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An elderly woman who sustained a broken pelvis after a group of teenagers robbed a phone store in Sydney’s southwest is in a stable condition.

Police today released CCTV footage of a group of about 15 teenagers entering Casula Mall just after 3pm last Friday, April 12.

Police have released CCTV footage after a distraction-style robbery at a Casula phone store on April 12.

The group is seen heading into an Optus store at the shopping complex, where they inspect mobile phones and watches on display.

Detectives said the group was directed to leave the store when some of the youths began pulling on the items, which were attached to the display table by a security cable.

The direction was initially ignored but the teenagers were eventually ushered from the store.

Detectives are appealing for information after a woman, 81, was knocked over by a teenager following a robbery in Casula.

As they fled, CCTV shows one teenager, who police have been told attempted to steal a mobile phone, knocking over an 81-year-old woman as he runs from the shopping centre.

The woman was treated by paramedics before being taken to Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital.

A South Western Sydney Local Health District spokeswoman said she was in a stable condition.

Police were told one male teenager stole a watch.

Liverpool City Police Area Commander Superintendent Adam Whyte said it was a case of “mob mentality”, describing it as “unacceptable behaviour”.

“They’ve gone into the store en masse clearly with the intent to disrupt the store and take items,” he said.

Supt Whyte said the teenager who knocked the elderly woman over would have been aware of his actions.

“It was a fairly significant impact and he also impacted with an elderly male as well. He would have definitely known and he hasn’t stopped to render any aid.”

Supt Whyte commended the shoppers who assisted the elderly woman.

“We have a wonderful community out here at Liverpool and they immediately went to her assistance.”

Investigations continue and police have released CCTV of a group of people they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.