Elderly woman allegedly assaulted, robbed for her jewellery in broad daylight on suburban Sydney street

Shocking video shows a man stalking an elderly woman in broad daylight on a Sydney street, before ripping a necklace from her throat.

Police have released disturbing CCTV vision of a man stalking an elderly woman, before he allegedly robbed her in broad daylight earlier this month.

Describing the crime as “disgusting”, police branded the alleged offender a “grub” and have asked the public to help them locate the culprit.

Officers are seeking information after the elderly woman was allegedly assaulted Belmore, in Sydney’s south west on July 12 as she walked with her shopping trolley in broad daylight.

The woman, 79, was walking on Leyland Parade in Belmore on a Friday, when she was allegedly targeted by the man at about 11.40am.

Video shows the man trailing her, as she pulled a small shopping trolley behind. He then allegedly approached her and assaulted her.

According to police, the man grabbed a gold chain around her neck, snapping it in half. The man allegedly took the chain and religious crucifix around her neck and fled.

“It's in the worst category of crime that we see,” Detective Chief Inspector Paul Albury said today. “Attacking an elderly woman going about her business.

“He’s following her along the street and attempting to catch up with her. Any human being would agree it’s abhorrent, and that’s why we’re asking the community to help us,” he said.

Police wish to speak with the man seen in the CCTV footage. Picture: NSW Police Force

The man allegedly grabbed a gold chain from around the woman's neck, snapping it, and stole a crucifix she was wearing. Picture: NSW Police

The man could be seen walking close behind the woman. Picture: NSW Police

Inspector Albury called on the community to assist police in identifying the alleged attacker, calling the alleged offender a “grub”.

“Place yourself in this lady’s shoes, if this was your mum or your sister,” he said.

“To the offender himself, this is a disgusting crime. We ask you to come forward before we come get you.”

Inspector Albury said the crucifix that was taken from the woman was of “high personal value” due to the woman’s faith, and because she’d been wearing it for some time.

He said the woman thankfully hadn’t been badly injured or knocked over during the attack.

Police wish to speak with the man shown in the video, or anyone who has information that may assist their inquiries.

Do you know this man? Police say he attacked an elderly woman from behind and snatched a gold chain from her neck on Leylands Parade at #Belmore on Friday July 12. @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/hatykvK1vX

— Tiffiny Genders (@tiffgenders) July 30, 2019

The man was described as being aged in his 30s, with olive skin, a skinny build, thick curly hair and a moustache.

He was seen wearing a dark blue jumper with a white “Nautica” logo printed on the front. He was also wearing dark tracksuit pants and black joggers.