Jeffery and Eileen Carter were returning home from a trip downtown about 3.30pm last week when Mrs Carter’s handbag was stolen by an unknown male.

According to police, the couple was approached by the man near the basketball courts asking where he could get a drink.The couple ignored the man and continued walking before the male was heard to repeat the question.

It is believed he then reached over the Mrs Carter’s right-hand shoulder and elbowed her in the face causing her lip to split before pulling the victim’s handbag off her shoulder and running off towards the Bell River area.

Both Mr and Mrs Carter were left shaken by the experience.

“It was very scary and I felt helpless because I couldn’t do anything to help,” Mr Carter said.

Mrs Carter said she wasn’t going to let the ordeal worry her, however the incident has resulted in Wellington Council co-ordinator for the aged and disabled Lynne Rich urging elderly and disabled members of the community to be alert.

“I’m really concerned because they are vulnerable to these scum,” Mrs Rich said.

“When downtown (the elderly) really need to be aware of their surroundings and realise that if something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not.

“If this is the case they should go into the nearest shop or safe place.”

Mrs Rich is also calling on people using gophers to be aware of where they place their valuables.

“Quite often you will see people riding gophers with their handbags in the front basket.

“This is not safe and if possible I would encourage people to wear their bags across their shoulders.”

She said anyone who was a victim of a robbery should initially contact police.

“After this if you need help reorganising anything, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.”

Wellington Police acting senior sergeant said it was disconcerting to see thieves targeting people in the community who were more vulnerable.

“This couple is obviously disabled and to target them is a pretty low act,” he said.

“I don’t like seeing anyone being robbed at all but to pick on the more vulnerable members in the community is very ordinary.”