A HOSPITAL employee was left traumatised after a man on a bicycle threatened to shoot her for her handbag at the South West Health Campus on Monday night.
The 40-year-old woman was working a shift at the St John of God Bunbury Hospital when she took a break and went to the car park about 6pm.
She was sitting in her silver Astra when she was approached by a man on a bicycle.
The man demanded her handbag and threatened to shoot her if she did not hand it over.
The terrified victim said the man was extremely aggressive and while she did not see a weapon, she believed he was holding a handgun under his jacket.
She handed over her wallet and the man cycled off towards Bussell Highway.
South West Detectives Sergeant Darren Clifton said the woman alerted hospital security and Bunbury Police, but the man could not be found.
“It’s concerning that someone would take the time to identify an individual target,” Sergeant Clifton said.
“While this woman has done nothing wrong, we urge people to always be mindful of their personal security at all times.”
In an unrelated incident, the city was shocked by a daytime attack on a woman jogging through Marlston Hill in June.
A man demanded money from the jogger before knocking her unconscious.
Sergeant Clifton said it was important to follow any directions in a hold-up situation, even if a weapon can not be seen.
St John of God Hospital chief executive officer Mark Grime said it was the first time a staff member had been held up at the hospital.
Mr Grime said the employee was receiving full support from the hospital and her colleagues and had been offered professional counselling.
He said security services were in place 24 hours a day at the South West Health Campus.
Detectives want to speak with anyone who may have information regarding the offence.
They are particularly interested to hear from a woman who rang the St John of God Bunbury Hospital shortly before the offence to report a suspicious man on a bicycle.
They also wish to speak with the occupants of a white Commodore parked next to the victim’s vehicle at the time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.