Observant staff at a Boronia licenced venue have proved vital to the success of an investigation into the theft of an elderly ladies bag in Boronia earlier this month.

The 88-year-old was in a gaming room allegedly being watched by the suspect before leaving onto Boronia Road on Wednesday 7 September about 12pm.

Once outside the venue, the 26-year-old man allegedly snatched the woman’s handbag, containing a large sum of money and personal effects before pushing her to the ground and fleeing.

Staff rushed to the assistance of the lady, who requires a walking frame to get around and police were called.

Knox Crime Investigation Unit commenced an investigation and due to a hot tip from staff at the venue, the accused was located back there on Friday and subsequently arrested.

The 26-year-old man alerted police to where he disposed of the bag and it was recovered along with the woman’s deceased husband’s jewellery that was inside it. The cash however, was missing

The man was charged with robbery and bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

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