West Vancouver Police is appealing for witnesses after an 86-year-old woman was robbed of her purse while walking home on New Year’s day.

On January 1, 2020 at approximately 5:10 pm, the lone victim left Loblaws City Market at Park Royal Mall, and began walking Westbound on Marine Dr.

She walked to the intersection of Marine Dr. and 11th St., at which point she turned right (Northbound) on 11th St.

The victim reported that she was then approached from behind by an unknown person who grabbed her purse which was slung around her shoulder, and then pushed her to the ground.

The suspect ran off with the purse in an unknown direction.

The victim was able to flag down a passer-by who comforted her until emergency services arrived.

Police made extensive patrols of the area but were unable to locate a suspect. The victim was unable to provide a suspect description, given that they were approached from behind.

The victim was transported to hospital by ambulance and it was later determined that she had suffered a fractured shoulder as a result of the incident.

Items stolen included the victims cream coloured purse and a wallet containing a bank card and credit card.

“This is a very unfortunate incident, and a rare occurrence in West Vancouver,” says Cst. Kevin Goodmurphy. “To assault a senior like this is despicable.” “Rest assured that we are working diligently to identify a suspect.”

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 604-925-7300 (file #20-32) or if they wish to remain anonymous, to visit www.solvecrime.ca or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.