Police slammed for posting elderly woman’s photo to Facebook in relation to alleged Coles theft

Cops are slammed for posting photo of an old woman over alleged theft at Coles: ‘Very sad world we live in’

  • Police have been slammed over posting photo of elderly woman 
  • Investigators say she can assist in a stealing investigation 
  • ‘Considerable amount of money’ stolen at Coles Ramsgate in Dec

Police have been slammed after posting a photo of an elderly woman to Facebook in relation to an alleged stealing incident at a supermarket.

Sydney‘s St George Police Area Command on Wednesday shared an image of the mystery woman they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries in the wake of the alleged theft at a Coles in Ramsgate on December 21.

But Many social media users who saw the blurry photo showing the woman with glasses and disheveled hair in the supermarket aisle, rushed to her defence assuming what had allegedly been stolen was essential supplies and not cash.

The St George Police Area Command have come under fire after posting the above photo, unblurred, of an elderly woman in relation to an alleged stealing at a Coles on December 21

‘Times are tough and to splash the elderly lady’s picture on social media doesn’t help. Who knows what her situation is,’ one commenter wrote.

‘She appears super dangerous,’ another said ironically. ‘So good of you to splash her face across social media to protect the public.’ 

‘Judging from her body language, she’s not a criminal, she’s desperate for help probably because the economy at the moment,’ a third speculated.

‘What did she steal from a supermarket that her picture was posted!’ another said.

‘When someone steals food to eat you have to ask why and try and help. Very sad world we live in.’

Police responded to backlash and accusations they were shaming her but by explaining: ‘a considerable amount of money was stolen. The lady is being asked to assist with enquiries’. 

Sydney's St George Police Area Command on Wednesday shared an image of the mystery woman they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries in the wake of the alleged theft at a Coles in Ramsgate (pictured) on December 21

Sydney’s St George Police Area Command on Wednesday shared an image of the mystery woman they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries in the wake of the alleged theft at a Coles in Ramsgate (pictured) on December 21

 

Many social media users who saw the blurry photo showing the woman with glasses and disheveled hair in the supermarket aisle, rushed to her defence assuming what had allegedly been stolen was essential supplies and not cash.

Many social media users who saw the blurry photo showing the woman with glasses and disheveled hair in the supermarket aisle, rushed to her defence assuming what had allegedly been stolen was essential supplies and not cash.

Not everyone felt sympathy for the woman in the photo.

One social media user said police should do everything they can to track down thieves and those who can assist inquiries.

‘No excuse to steal,’ the person said.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police.