A LOCAL MP has given assurances he is building a case for extra resources to clamp down on crime, in the wake of last week’s daylight mugging.
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Adding to the growing concerns expressed by the community, Kevin Anderson said he was sickened by the attack on 79-year-old Ursula Bakker in a car park during peak Christmas shopping time.
“I was absolutely disgusted and distraught when I heard about this attack,” Mr Anderson said yesterday.
“I’ve already spoken with Mrs Bakker’s children, when I visited them at the hospital. I assured them we were doing everything we possibly could to stop this sort of behaviour.”
The comments come amidst a fresh appeal by police for witnesses to the mugging.
Oxley Detective Senior Constable Rebecca McKenzie said police had spoken to several people but believed more were yet to come forward.
“Police would like to talk to anyone that was in or around the car park about 4pm on Thursday,” she said.
“We believe there are people outstanding who were in the vicinity of the car park but who have not spoken to police yet.
“We would be urging them to come forward, because any information could help us.”
Mrs Bakker remains in intensive care in Tamworth hospital.
Mr Anderson said now was the time to strengthen the case for extra resources for police.
“It is a circumstance that should have never occurred and it should never happen again,” he said.
“At the first available opportunity I can meet with the commander of the dog squad in Sydney, I will.”
Mr Anderson said he was having regular discussions with local police in a bid to build a case for a drug unit and dog squad.
“The police minister has certainly been made aware of the challenges we face in Tamworth. I have to make sure we leave no stone unturned,” he said.
He has rejected any assertions the government isn’t doing enough, arguing there was plenty of work happening behind the scenes.
“I am constantly working on what we can do to clean up some of the rubbish in this city,” Mr Anderson said.
“I fully back them in these calls for the extra resources to drive down and hopefully never again see this type of cowardly, vicious attack on elderly community members.”
A 21-year-old West Tamworth man will front court today charged over the alleged robbery in the City Plaza car park.
