By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
A GOOD Samaritan was punched, kicked and bashed in broad daylight behind Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre after he was asked to give directions.
Narre Warren’s Detective Matt Davey described the street robbery as a “serious assault.”
“He was a genuine victim, he really tried to help the offender out and has sustained nasty injuries.”
The shocking premeditated street attack occurred on the corner of Cranbourne Drive and McLaren Avenue on Saturday 23 April at 2.30pm.
And it has left the male victim with three broken ribs, a broken nose and fractured cheekbone.
Det Davey said the key offender, described as Asian in appearance with a slim build, in his late teens to early twenties approached the victim, while his accomplices waited in a nearby car.
“A white Audi Q3 was on the corner with two people inside, while the third offender waited on the corner,” he said.
“He approached the victim walking to the shops and asked for directions to William Street.
“Pulling out his phone with a map on it, the victim explained and offered the man to follow him as he was walking that way.
“But as the victim turned away he was punched a few times to the back of the head.”
Det Davey said the pair dropped to the ground and wrestled but the young thief managed to steal the man’s phone and wallet.
A small amount of cash was stolen as well as the victim’s Medicare card and bank card.
“At this point another offender has got out of the Audi and started kicking the victim in the ribs,” Det Davey said.
Due to the location and time of the disturbing violent attack, Det Davey hopes eye witnesses will come forward.
“It’s a busy area at the back of the shops,” he said.
“We are aware a taxi was parked on the side of the road on Cranbourne Drive, just a few houses down from the assault and we know the driver was sitting in the car.”
Det Davey is urging that taxi driver to come forward.
“We think he may have seen something,” he said.
The two accomplices are described as Caucasian.
“They targeted someone vulnerable and were after a phone and wallet,” Det Davey said.
Anyone with information on the serious daylight assault can contact the Narre Warren police station on 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
