The suspects fled with the elderly woman's thali.
Image: Picture: Astro Ulagam
Elderly residents in Phoenix are urged to remain vigilant after a 77-year-old pensioner was robbed of her Thali (sacred Hindu wedding chain) by a woman posing as a social worker.
The Phoenix Community Policing Forum shares safety tips to protect vulnerable residents
The elderly woman was alone at her home when she was robbed.
“A middle-aged Indian woman approached the gate of the elderly woman’s house and said that she was from the welfare department.
“She insisted that she was going to organise a hamper for the elderly woman. The woman refused the hamper. The woman then asked the elderly resident if she could iron her clothes because she had no electricity at home and had to attend a meeting,” said Val Pillay, spokesperson for the Phoenix Community Policing Forum (CPF).
She said the woman somehow convinced the woman to open the gate and allow her inside the property.
The woman said she had seen her pass by the house a few times prior and she had made small talk with her.
“An Indian man in his 50s then followed the woman into the yard.
“He remained in the yard while the woman went into the house with the elderly resident. When the woman took her to the ironing area, she realised the front gate was still open and went downstairs to lock it.
“The woman then rushed downstairs and said that she needed to go. She and the man left. A while later, the elderly woman realised that her phone and thali were missing. She found her phone and purse wrapped up in a towel in the bathroom, but her thali was nowhere to be found,” she said.
Pillay warned that elderly residents should remain extra vigilant as elderly people were being targeted in the area.
“This incident is extremely concerning and highlights how criminals are increasingly targeting vulnerable elderly residents by using deception, manipulation, and distraction tactics to gain entry into homes.
“The suspects in this case used a very calculated approach by pretending to be from a welfare department, offering assistance and food hampers, creating sympathy by claiming to have no electricity, and building familiarity through previous casual interactions.
“They also worked together as a team to distract the victim. These criminals are patient and often observe homes before-hand, especially properties occupied by elderly persons living alone.
“They rely on kindness, trust, and the good nature of residents to gain access.”
Pillay said this incident could have been far worse.
“Fortunately, no physical harm was caused, but the emotional trauma and violation experienced by elderly victims can be severe and long-lasting. We appeal to the community to remain vigilant, share this information widely, and assist in protecting our elderly residents from becoming targets of opportunistic criminals.”
Safety tips
The Phoenix CPF urges residents to take the following precautions: