The story of a 60-year-old man on a trip around Australia being assaulted in a caravan park will surely send a shiver down the spine of all grey nomads.
While Australia is a remarkably safe place to travel by international standards, the incident is another reminder that bad things can still happen.
South Australian police report that the traveller from Queensland was assaulted last week when he interrupted someone trying to steal his e-bike at a van park in the Adelaide suburb of Hackney.
The victim was awoken by noises outside his motorhome and went outside to investigate.
Police say he found an unknown man trying to steal his e-bike, which was secured to the motorhome.
Emergency services attended the caravan park. PIC: SA Police
The victim was struck to the head with the angle grinder, and the suspect fled the scene.
Police arrived and located the e-bike a short distance away. The angle grinder was also left at the scene.
The victim sustained a laceration to his head and was treated by paramedics at the scene.
Patrols searched the area but did not locate the offender who was described as a tall man of Caucasian appearance.
Investigations are continuing.
Clearly, the consequence of being struck on the head with an angle grinder could have been even more significant, and it raises the question of just how people should react when they see or hear a crime being carried out.
Several years ago, two women were attacked at a caravan park in the Kimberley and said an older couple were too scared to help them. West Australian Police said at the time that they asked the public to ‘always consider personal safety above all else’.
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