A YOUNG boy tried to rob an elderly woman by shaking her walking frame in a bid to snatch her handbag.

The 87-year-woman was walking in Long Lynderswood, Basildon, when she was approached by the boy, who grabbed her walking frame and forcefully shook it as he attempted to steal her bag, which was attached to the frame.

The boy, who was described as white and aged between 10 and 12, was unsuccessful in getting the victim’s bag.

He ran off following the attempted robbery, which happened at about 6.30pm on Thursday.

The woman made her way home and called police. She was left in a distressed state but was physically unharmed.

Labour councillor David Burton-Sampson, who represents the St Martin’s ward, said these incidents do not happen in Basildon very often.

He added that young people commit these crimes because of a lack of opportunities available to them.

He said: “It’s absolutely dreadful and the offender needs to be dealt with in the quickest, and most appropriate manner.

“With teens it’s not about punishment.

“It’s about giving them the support to help them back on the right track.

“We need to give them the right guidance so they realise the consequences of what they have done, and how their actions have affected the victim.

“Rehabilitation and education to good citizenship is key, and finding the right opportunity for them not to turn to crime.”

Last week, The Echo reported a teenage boy was robbed in Kiln Road, Hadleigh, by two teenagers, thought to be about 17 years old.

The boy was threatened with a knife and airgun by the pair who demanded he surrender his phone and bag before pushing him into a street light.

He told The Echo: “We had a struggle as they took my bag and I hit my head a few times.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact Basildon CID on 101 quoting reference 858 of September 14.

Alternatively contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.