Necia Graham, bedridden with a rare disease that affects her movement, could not escape or defend herself when thieves rummaged through drawers and cabinets right in front of her.  

Three teens allegedly fled the scene with an iPad and valuable accessories in an act that has fuelled concerns elderly residents are being targeted. 

Still visibly rattled, Mrs Graham trembled as she told The Daily Advertiser about the harrowing experience. 

“I told them I couldn’t move and that was my big mistake,” Ms Graham said. 

“I was very scared. I am still very scared.

“Where are their parents?” 

The young men, who were seen fleeing the area by witnesses, allegedly climbed the fence of RSL LifeCare’s village in Mount Austin and broke into the back of Mrs Graham’s flat on Sunday afternoon.   

Village staff said the teenage thieves had knocked on the windows of several other rooms to gauge if residents were home. 

Mrs Graham’s daughter, Leanda Simpson, said her mother was still very shaken since her security and trust were “violated beyond repair”. 

“It’s traumatised mum, it’s just shaken her up and robbed her of any safety she felt,” Ms Simpson said. 

“They’ve left her scared, on edge and just a lost soul.

“It’s disgusting that these kids come and rob a retirement village because they know it’s an easier target and nobody is going to give them trouble.”

When Necia realised strangers were ripping her room apart, she frantically pressed a button to request staff assistance.

Necia’s grandson Brad Graham labelled the break-in a “weak move” and said the teens were “using their age as a shield”. 

“It’s just wrong, disgraceful, she’s essentially helpless – it’s not like she can just get up and walk away,” Mr Graham said. 

“Nan’s had a tough long life and all she was trying to do was rest and these kids have broken in and terrorised her. It makes you lose faith in the city.”

Wagga crime manager Detective Inspector Darren Cloake said police have identified and are investigating the potential involvement of three teenagers. 

He is concerned that a few “individual groups” could potentially be targeting elderly residents. 

“We have previously identified this group, with the oldest of the offenders being 14 years old,” he said. “We’ve had individual groups in Glenfield Park, Ashmont and Turvey Park show this type of behaviour.”

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.