Elderly woman kicked during alleged robbery as youths target Wandina retirement village twice in a month

Three boys accused of a violent robbery at an aged care facility, where an elderly woman was kicked and fell to the ground, have faced court this week. Geraldton police allege at 3am on Monday, three boys, 13, 14 and 16, climbed the security fence at Arcadia Waters retirement community in Wandina and kicked in the back door to one of the units. Police allege the boys went through the unit and stole an 86-year-old woman’s handbag, credit card folder and a second empty handbag. The elderly resident had woken to the noise and confronted the teenagers, who ran away with her belongings. Officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the accused trio returned later to steal her car, and the 86-year-old woman was violently kicked inside her home. The impact caused her to fall to the ground. CCTV from the retirement village captured the incident and police arrested two of the accused on Monday morning. A third boy was arrested later in the day. Three boys appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on Monday, charged with burglary and commit, robbery whilst armed in circumstances of aggravation, stealing and stealing a motor vehicle. Two of the teenagers, including the boy accused of kicking the elderly woman, were remanded in custody. The third teenager was granted bail. A family member told the Geraldton Guardian the woman had recovered and thanked police, St John WA, hospital staff and local businesses who assisted her. “The show of community support has been amazing. Even with elements in society who believe it is OK to blatantly steal, it’s heartwarming how strong our community can be,” the spokesperson said. The 86-year-old was discharged from hospital on Monday. The shocking incident comes after a group of about 10 teenagers allegedly broke into the same retirement village on April 13. Sen. Sgt Martin said it was “deplorable behaviour” and police would not tolerate violence or crime targeted towards the elderly community. An Arcadia Waters spokesperson said the incident has left residents with ears and eyes open. “It’s just making everyone a bit more vigilant when making their way around the village,” they said.