Youths targeting the elderly in brazen Alice Springs daylight bag snatchings

A SPATE of alleged attempted bag snatches by groups of youths against elderly women has authorities concerned

STRIKE Force Viper officers have arrested three youths in relation to the alleged robbery of an 87-year-old woman in the Alice Springs CBD on Wednesday.

After investigating, police found that at 12.10pm the woman was walking through Yeperenye shopping centre when she was allegedly pushed to the ground by a group of female youths.

Police alleged the youths stole the woman’s handbag before fleeing the scene on foot towards the post office carpark.

The woman suffered bruising as a result of the alleged incident.

General duties police and members of Strike Force Viper immediately swept the area and arrested three youths — two 15-year-olds and a 17-year-old — who are now assisting police with their inquiries.

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Police are investigating whether the offenders from this incident are linked to an earlier attempted robbery in a carpark on Bath Street.

Just after 12pm, a 72-year-old woman was getting into her car when she was approached by two female youths who asked for a lift.

The woman attempted to close the door when it is alleged one of the youth tried to get into the vehicle while the other youth reached past the woman and attempted to grab her handbag.

The woman left the area without further incident.

These incidents follow Tuesday’s alleged attempted robbery of a 79-year-old man who was having a coffee at Wicked Kneads cafe in Todd Mall.

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Police urge anyone who may have witnessed either incident to contact them on 131 444 or report it anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.