A WODONGA mother who fell victim to a man who was allegedly taking photos up women’s dresses says she has been left “scared” to go out alone in public.
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On Tuesday morning, Samantha Higgins was at Wodonga Plaza with her 19-month-old daughter.
She had been standing outside Mr Bean coffee shop near the eastern entrance to the plaza before 11am when the incident happened.
But she didn’t realise she had been violated until the next day.
“I didn’t know about it until an old man told me this morning that a bloke and his missus were taking photos up my dress,” Miss Higgins said yesterday.
“The guy who told us about it always goes down there for coffee, he said he had never seen this guy before.
“He said he thought the guy took about four photos.
“I would have been holding onto my pram with my daughter in it.”
Miss Higgins said the older man who witnessed the incident gave her a description of the alleged offender and had reported it to police.
She said after she found out yesterday morning she went straight to police.
“It’s scary because if I’m walking down the street by myself with my daughter I don’t know what type of car he’s got — if he’s game enough to take photos is he game enough to snatch someone?” she said.
“I’m worried about girls who are younger than me, they are more vulnerable.”
Miss Higgins’ partner, David Read was with her when she found out about the photos.
He said he was fearful of the alleged offender’s capabilities.
“I am furious, I am absolutely furious,” Mr Read said.
“I think if he has got the potential to go out and take photos of young girls, he has the potential to grab them.
“I reckon people like that are classed as a predator and a paedophile and they shouldn’t be in our community as far as I’m concerned.”
Wodonga Police were unable to go into detail on the matter, but said they are investigating and urge anyone with information to contact Wodonga police on (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.