Woman walking dog falls victim to alleged robbery by trio of kids!
- Replies 57
In a shocking incident that has left the community reeling, a woman was allegedly robbed at knifepoint by three children while she was out walking her dog on the Gold Coast.
This unsettling event has raised concerns about youth crime in the area and has prompted calls for increased vigilance and community safety measures.
Late in the evening, Kellie Hodge, a 53-year-old resident of Pimpama, was returning home from her routine dog walk when she noticed she was being followed.
'It wasn't till I was nearly home that I realised they were following me,' she told a news source.
The situation started off innocent enough, with one of the boys taking notice of her pet.
‘One of the guys, the young fella, said, “Can I pat your dog miss?” and I said, “Yeah, no problem” so he went down and turned around with a scalpel and looked at me and said “Give me your effing keys.”’
‘Then the other young boy came up to me with the other scalpel and ripped the keys off me.’
The trio allegedly threatened Hodge, warning her that they would return to steal her car before fleeing the scene.
Shaken and terrified, Hodge sought help from a neighbour who promptly alerted the police.
The dog squad was able to track down the youths, and they were arrested nearby. Knives were allegedly seized from both boys.
The alleged offenders, a 12-year-old boy from Tanah Merah, a 13-year-old boy from Willow Vale, and a 15-year-old girl from Pimpama, were each charged with one count of robbery, whilst armed and in company. They will remain in custody until their court date.
'I think I'm in shock because I didn't think 12 and 13-year-olds would do that,' Hodge said.
Although she was not physically injured, the emotional trauma of the incident has left her sleepless.
The police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have CCTV footage from the area to come forward.
This incident has highlighted the need for increased community vigilance and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the police.
In the wake of this incident, Queensland Premier Steven Miles is set to hold his first youth crime meeting with the founder of the Voice for Victims group, Ben Cannon.
The said meeting aims to address the growing concerns about youth crime in the area and discuss potential strategies to combat it.
Understanding Youth Crime: A Deeper Look
Youth crime is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. It is often a symptom of deeper societal issues such as poverty, lack of education, family dysfunction, and substance abuse.
Early intervention and prevention strategies are key to addressing youth crime. These can include mentoring programs, family support services, and educational initiatives that provide young people with positive role models and opportunities for growth.
While this incident is deeply troubling, it is important to remember that it is not representative of all young people. The majority of youth are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
However, for those who do engage in criminal behaviour, it is crucial that they are held accountable for their actions and provided with the necessary support to change their behaviour.
Personal Safety Tips
In light of this incident, it's also a good time to remind ourselves of some basic personal safety tips.
Take care to inform anyone—a spouse, son, daughter, or even friendly neighbour—that you’ll be heading out.
Once outside, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.
If you notice someone following you, head to a populated area or seek help immediately. Consider carrying a personal alarm or whistle, and don't hesitate to use it if you feel threatened.
Always report suspicious activity to the police, and remember, your safety is paramount.
What are your thoughts on this incident, members? Have you experienced or witnessed youth crime in your area? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
This unsettling event has raised concerns about youth crime in the area and has prompted calls for increased vigilance and community safety measures.
Late in the evening, Kellie Hodge, a 53-year-old resident of Pimpama, was returning home from her routine dog walk when she noticed she was being followed.
'It wasn't till I was nearly home that I realised they were following me,' she told a news source.
The situation started off innocent enough, with one of the boys taking notice of her pet.
Minors were caught by police after robbing a woman walking her dog. Image: 9news
‘One of the guys, the young fella, said, “Can I pat your dog miss?” and I said, “Yeah, no problem” so he went down and turned around with a scalpel and looked at me and said “Give me your effing keys.”’
‘Then the other young boy came up to me with the other scalpel and ripped the keys off me.’
The trio allegedly threatened Hodge, warning her that they would return to steal her car before fleeing the scene.
Shaken and terrified, Hodge sought help from a neighbour who promptly alerted the police.
The dog squad was able to track down the youths, and they were arrested nearby. Knives were allegedly seized from both boys.
The alleged offenders, a 12-year-old boy from Tanah Merah, a 13-year-old boy from Willow Vale, and a 15-year-old girl from Pimpama, were each charged with one count of robbery, whilst armed and in company. They will remain in custody until their court date.
'I think I'm in shock because I didn't think 12 and 13-year-olds would do that,' Hodge said.
Although she was not physically injured, the emotional trauma of the incident has left her sleepless.
The police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have CCTV footage from the area to come forward.
This incident has highlighted the need for increased community vigilance and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the police.
In the wake of this incident, Queensland Premier Steven Miles is set to hold his first youth crime meeting with the founder of the Voice for Victims group, Ben Cannon.
The said meeting aims to address the growing concerns about youth crime in the area and discuss potential strategies to combat it.
Understanding Youth Crime: A Deeper Look
Youth crime is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. It is often a symptom of deeper societal issues such as poverty, lack of education, family dysfunction, and substance abuse.
Early intervention and prevention strategies are key to addressing youth crime. These can include mentoring programs, family support services, and educational initiatives that provide young people with positive role models and opportunities for growth.
While this incident is deeply troubling, it is important to remember that it is not representative of all young people. The majority of youth are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
However, for those who do engage in criminal behaviour, it is crucial that they are held accountable for their actions and provided with the necessary support to change their behaviour.
Personal Safety Tips
In light of this incident, it's also a good time to remind ourselves of some basic personal safety tips.
Take care to inform anyone—a spouse, son, daughter, or even friendly neighbour—that you’ll be heading out.
Once outside, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night.
If you notice someone following you, head to a populated area or seek help immediately. Consider carrying a personal alarm or whistle, and don't hesitate to use it if you feel threatened.
Always report suspicious activity to the police, and remember, your safety is paramount.
What are your thoughts on this incident, members? Have you experienced or witnessed youth crime in your area? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
.png){kind=icon}
