By Kaitlyn Offer, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
A 97-year-old World War II veteran was robbed of almost $500 in broad daylight at Stratton Park Shopping Centre on Wednesday afternoon.
Police today issued an appeal to help find the offender, described as a man with olive skin, in his mid 20s, about 175cm tall and of slight build.
Inspector Rob Anderson said the incident happened about 4.45pm while the 97-year-old was sitting in a car in the shopping centre's car park.
A man approached the vehicle, reached inside and grabbed the victim’s hearing aid from his trouser pocket, throwing it inside the car.
He then placed his arm across the victim's chest, reached into his trouser pocket and stole his wallet.
Insp. Anderson said the elderly victim was badly shaken.
He said the offender, who was wearing a dark hooded jacket, could have been a local and believed he may have had a spotter working with him.
Investigators would like to speak to several people who were standing next to a silver or grey sedan, which was about 50 metres away from the victim’s vehicle.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.