A 72-year-old man was allegedly robbed by a 32-year-old Shell Cove man in what police describe as a vigilante-style crime. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Illawarra region.
Details of the incident
Police allege the younger man approached the elderly victim on the street and demanded money, claiming he was acting as a vigilante. The victim, who was walking home, handed over a small amount of cash before the suspect fled the scene.
Police response
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District were called to the area and conducted a search, leading to the arrest of a 32-year-old man at a nearby residence. He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged with robbery.
The suspect was refused bail and appeared at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to appear again next month.
Victim's condition
The elderly man was not physically injured but was left shaken by the ordeal. Police have offered support services to the victim.
Community impact
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, with some calling for increased police patrols in the area. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Acting Inspector Jason Foy said the alleged vigilante behavior was unacceptable. "We don't condone anyone taking the law into their own hands," he said. "This was a cowardly act against a vulnerable member of our community."
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing for witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.
