Cowardly robbers targeting seniors, the disabled on the DTES

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver Police are warning the disabled and the elderly in the Downtown Eastside to watch their surroundings and not carry too much cash.

Const. Jana McGuinness says there have been three cowardly robberies in recent weeks.

“They are disturbing, they are opportunistic, and people who are quite vulnerable are being targeted, either disabled or elderly,” she says.

“Some of these victims have a fair bit of cash on them, so we’re looking into whether they’re being followed, away from a bank, for example.”

A person in a wheelchair was kicked and robbed in one case, and in another an 81-year-old man was thrown to the ground and had his pockets rifled through.

“It’s really good if people watch their surroundings when they’re withdrawing money and they’re heading out,” she notes. “It’s not advisable to carry large quantities of cash with you, and if you can buddy up with a friend when you do have to make a large withdrawal that’s a good idea.”

One woman has been arrested.

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