Hunt for a hero after Weymouth robbery bid (From Thisisdorset)

Hunt for a hero after Weymouth robbery bid

8:30am Saturday 2nd January 2010 in

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A GOOD Samaritan who intervened during an attempted robbery has been asked to come forward after being praised as a hero.

Police would like to hear from the man who confronted a mugger attempting to rob a 55-year-old woman as she walked alone in a public car park in Weymouth town centre.

The victim from Weymouth was walking through the car park opposite the Debenhams store on Commercial Road at 5.15pm on Tuesday when a man confronted her.

He told her to hand over her handbag and when she refused the man knocked her glasses from her face onto the ground.

Detective Constable Gerald Marchant, of Weymouth CID, said: “The victim explains that another man saw what was happening and he went to her assistance – and even confronted the offender who then made off empty handed.

“I am very keen to speak with this Good Samaritan who intervened as his actions no doubt prevented a more serious incident taking place.

“This witness has information that is crucial to my investigation.”

Janice White, who was mugged before Christmas, has branded the actions of the Good Samaritan as ‘heroic’.

The 46-year-old barmaid managed to fight off her attacker with a single punch but she said others might not be able to defend themselves so easily.

“If I had been an elderly lady then it would have been a different story.

“That is when you need people like this gentleman who intervened.

“It is just atrocious that this even goes on and I sympathise with the lady that this happened to.

“Ever since I was mugged I jump easily and I feel uneasy when people are walking behind me.

“I hope this good man comes forward because it is great to see people helping in situations like this one.

“If only more people were like him.”

George Afedakis, owner of Greek restaurant Ta Dyo Adelphia in Weymouth town centre, has also praised the actions of the man who intervened.

He said: “The last thing we want in Weymouth is robberies as some people are not happy to walk in the town centre alone as it is.

“People should act immediately if they witness something like this and it was very heroic of this man to step in himself.”

Detective Constable Marchant added: “I’d like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident and from anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in that area around 5.15pm on Tuesday December 22.

“I’d also like to hear from anyone else with any other information that might help me to identify the man responsible. All calls will be treated in confidence.”

The offender police are looking for is white, aged in his early 20s, five feet eight to nine inches tall and of slim build with short dark hair.

He was wearing a pale blue three quarter length hooded coat with the hood up.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222222.