80-year-old woman assaulted with hammer in George home invasion

GEORGE NEWS - An 80-year-old woman was struck with a hammer during a home invasion in Symonds Lane, George, on Tuesday 18 August.

Her adult son returned home at about 16:15 and found his injured mother. He immediately alerted the police and took her to hospital.

The extent of her injuries and her recovery were not known at the time of going to press.

The attacker fled with a mountain bike, an iPhone and a notebook.

A distress call was subsequently sent to the police and neighbourhood watches, prompting a large-scale response from community safety role players in the area.

The police confirmed they had opened a case and appealed to members of the public to keep an eye out for the stolen mountain bike. The bicycle is distinctive and should be easy to identify. Anyone who spots it is urged to report it to the police.

No arrests have been made, and the stolen items had not been recovered at the time of going to press.

This mountain bike was stolen during a home invasion on Symonds Lane. The police are appealing to the public to report any information that could assist in recovering the bicycle or identifying the suspect. Photo: Supplied

George CPF's chairperson, Shawn Northey, said although no arrests have been made, he was proud of the community's response and that of various safety role players on the night. "It was truly heartwarming to experience the co-operation and mass turnout of all role players," he said.

Northey thanked the police, including the cluster, Vispol commander, the George Police, detectives, the Crime Prevention Unit and forensic services, as well as law enforcement, the CCTV hub, Community in Blue and neighbourhood watches in Dormehlsdrift, Denneoord and CGH (Camphersdrift, Glen Barrie and Heatherlands).

He also acknowledged those responsible for camera support, as well as residents who assisted with information, footage and patrols.

"I know it won't always be possible due to operational and staffing challenges, but if we can continue with this type of collaboration, if and when possible, the criminals in this town will soon realise George is not the place for them," Northey said

The police are appealing to the public to report any information that could assist in recovering the bicycle or identifying the suspect. Photo: Supplied