CCTV footage released in bid to find man who attacked woman, aged 79

Campsie police have released CCTV footage of a person of interest after a 79-year-old woman had her gold chain and crucifix ripped off her neck in Belmore.

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Police are appealing for public information in relation to the whereabouts of a man after an elderly woman was assaulted and her gold chain and crucifix snatched off her neck.

Campsie Police have released CCTV footage of the man following the woman, 79, along Leyland Parade, Belmore, about 11.40am on Friday, July 12, before she was approached from behind.

Campsie police crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Paul Albury said it is a disgusting and cowardly crime, calling it “one of the worst forms we see”.

Campsie police have released CCTV images of a man they believe can help them in their inquiries over an alleged assault and robbery of a woman, 79, in Belmore on July 12.

“This will have a significant impact on her life as she goes about her day to day life,” Det. Chief Insp Albury told a media conference.

“We are very confident that someone in the community will know who is. The CCTV footage is of very high quality

“This is a disgusting crime perpetrated on one of the most vulnerable in the community … she was going about doing her day to day affairs.”

He said the woman desperately wants her chain and crucifix back because it means a lot to her.

According to police, the chain broke in half and the man took half of it along with a crucifix before fleeing down Marie Reserve toward Marie St.

The man is said to aged in his 30s, with olive skin, a skinny build, thick curly hair and had a moustache.

He was last seen wearing a dark blue jumper with a white Nautica motif at the front, dark tracksuit pants and black joggers.

Police request anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.