The son of an 89-year-old woman who was robbed in her driveway in broad daylight says his mother is traumatised and is calling on anyone with information to contact police.
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Palmira De Simone, who lives in Braddon with her son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, strolled outside to get some fresh air on Friday morning, when a "tall, thin man" startled her and allegedly dug through her handbag.
She froze in shock outside her Limestone Avenue home while the man, who police suspect was wearing a high-visibility t-shirt, stole her cash and ran off.
Ms De Simone's son, Franc, said one of his mother's carers was in the house at the time and left a note, which was found by his wife when she arrived home that afternoon. His wife immediately called Franc and he notified police.
It is understood Ms De Simone speaks little English.
"I felt quite violated, but I was more worried about mum," Franc said.
"She was absolutely distraught. She wouldn't stop crying. She is quite a fiercely independent woman and someone violating her independence was just traumatising for her."
While Ms De Simone was still shaken and sensitive about the incident, Franc said he and his family would not feel entirely safe until the culprit was caught.
"To target people that are defenceless and can't really do anything back is one of the lowest acts," he said.
"If you have a gut feeling that something isn't right, you should act upon it. Please contact the police."
He said it wasn't the first time his mother had been targeted for her vulnerability and had been scammed for money before.
"These people need to get a real job and stop hassling people who are helpless."
Constable Rosemary Catton from ACT Policing said some Canberrans were known to take calculated strikes against the elderly.
"It's not a common issue, but we know that there are people in our community who are actively targeting these elderly residents and who will wait until they are home alone," Constable Catton said.
"These are our community's most vulnerable and you do take a very dim view of it."
She urged anyone who saw anything suspicious along Limestone Avenue between 9am and 11am on Friday to come forward.
"Check with your neighbours, know what's going on in your street, and if you see anything, report it."
You can provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or at act.crimestoppers.com.au.
