Crimes against seniors on the rise

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An 81 year old woman was pushed to the ground, and her purse stolen. Tonight that woman is speaking out about her ordeal, as police warn seniors that crimes like this one are on the rise.

Cristina Bumbaca was walking along the Rail Trail last Friday at around 12:30 when a woman jumped out of the bushes and grabbed for her purse. “The lady came in, grabbed her purse it was just a small change purse it only had $3 in it and a key. She wouldn’t let go of the change purse because of the house key.”

Bumbaca was pushed to the ground and suffered cuts on her elbows and swollen fingers. A couple of good Samaritan’s came to her rescue. 37 year old Aimee Powell of Hamilton has been charged.

Police say crimes against seniors are on the rise. In 2013 there was 466 incidents by 2014 that number has risen to 588.

That same day in Hamilton another senior was assaulted and had her purse stolen after answering her door. Police in this case are still searching for a woman in her 20’s with a slim build, 5’8″ with black or brown straight shoulder length hair. She was wearing a beige v-neck t-shirt and jeans.

Police say seniors need to remain vigilant. “Be aware of your surroundings, make eye contact if you see someone coming. Don’t carry a lot of cash on you and have it documented so you know what you had if it gets stolen”