Offender targeted elderly

Gavel

A 15-year-old has been arrested for targeting elderly people and demanding money from them.

Police said the youth targeted two elderly residents of local council flats over a period of several weeks.

The youth is now facing charges of burglary and demanding with menace.

Flaxmere's Neighbourhood Policing Team is warning elderly people in the area to be wary.

"This targeting of elderly people is pretty despicable," Sergeant Greg Macklow said.

"People have the right to feel safe in their own homes and Police will not tolerate this type of offending against vulnerable members of our community.," he said.

"Constables Lyall and Rooney certainly felt considerable compassion for the victims in this matter and worked additional hours to locate and stop this offender from targeting others."

"Local councils also take this type of offending against its residents very seriously.

"A 50-year-old woman who committed similar offences has subsequently been trespassed from all Hastings District Council housing property," Mr Macklow said.

"We would also urge people to keep an eye out for their elderly neighbours, as the more isolated people are, the more vulnerable they become to these predatory offenders."

"If you have any concerns, or see behaviour in your neighbourhood that seems suspicious, please contact your local Police station. You can also provide information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."