A 32-year-old Hastings man has been arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of two elderly women on Monday afternoon.
It¡¯s believed that the women may have drawn attention of the man because they had won money on gambling machines.
It is understood the man then followed the women - who were traveling from Hastings back to their home - and intercepted them, taking their belongings and money.
One of the women was treated in hospital.
¡°As a community we condemn this behaviour, as it strikes at the heart of some our most vulnerable people¡± says Detective Sergeant Phil Sayers.??
Victim Support are assisting both women.?
This appears to have been an opportunistic offence and is not thought to be behaviour prevalent across Hawke¡¯s Bay.
The man is due to appear in the Hastings District Court tomorrow (Thursday) on robbery, driving, and other charges.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre