Elderly residents told to travel in pairs after string of ‘deplorable’ attacks in Alice Springs

ELDERLY residents have been advised to travel in pairs or groups around Alice Springs after a two people were allegedly struck down by thieves in broad daylight

Elderly residents have been advised to travel in pairs or groups around Alice Springs after young thieves allegedly struck down an 87- and a 79-year-old in broad daylight

• Youths targeting the elderly in brazen Alice Springs daylight bag snatchings
• Elderly man left shaken after group of youths allegedly try to steal from him at a cafe

ELDERLY residents have been advised to travel in pairs or groups around Alice Springs after young thieves allegedly struck down an 87- and a 79-year-old in broad daylight.

Council on the Ageing NT chief executive Sue Shearer said many seniors living in Alice Springs no longer felt safe due to crime, especially after a recent string of “deplorable incidents” targeting elderly residents.

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An 87-year-old woman was left shaken after young thieves allegedly struck her down and stole her handbag in the Yeperenye Shopping Centre on Wednesday.

The day prior, a 79-year-old man was knocked from his chair when youths allegedly tried to steal from him at a Todd Mall cafe.

Ms Shearer said many senior residents were now contemplating whether they should leave Alice Springs for their safety.

“We find the situation terrible and are advising seniors to go out in pairs,” she said.

“These perpetrators out there have absolutely no respect for the vulnerable citizens in our community.

“Sadly, they see elderly people as easy pickings that don’t have the strength to fight back or run away. Unfortunately, this is their twisted mindset.”

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Ms Shear said COTA held several forums in Alice Springs on Thursday, and the most concerning issues their members brought up was a crime.

Independent Member for Araluen Roby Lambley said the recent spate of elderly attacks made her feel sick to her stomach.

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