A 75-year-old women was assaulted and had her handbag stolen in a home invasion in Orange.
AN elderly woman became Orange’s latest home invasion victim after a man broke into her Moad Street unit early yesterday morning and assaulted her before stealing her handbag.
Police said the 75-year-old woman was punched to the ground and had to be taken to Orange hospital by paramedics for treatment for facial injuries, including a split lip, and shock.
Yesterday afternoon the woman was in a stable condition.
An Orange Health Service spokesperson said she was due to be discharged from hospital late yesterday.
The thief is believed to have gained entry to the woman’s unit at around 6am by kicking the locked back door off its hinges.
Once he entered the unit the thief knocked the woman to the ground before taking her handbag that contained a large amount of money.
Canobolas Local Area Command Sergeant Mick White said the woman, who was home alone at the time, was left badly “shaken” by her ordeal.
“An investigation is continuing and crime scene experts were in attendance,” Sergeant White said.
Sergeant White described the person responsible for the crime as “a despicable scumbag”.
“This has been terrible for the poor lady, she’s had a total invasion of her privacy and she’s lost a week’s worth of money,” he said.
Sergent White reminded people to ensure their doors were locked at all times.
He said additional security could be provided by locking screen doors as well.
The man responsible for the attack is described as having a large build, being of Aboriginal appearance and wearing dark clothes.
Police are asking anyone with any information about the crime to contact them immediately or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
tracey.prisk@ruralpress.com
