An unknown man attacked a young woman at the entrance of her apartment building in Palaio Faliro, a coastal suburb of Athens. The incident occurred around midday as the woman was returning home with groceries and preparing to enter the building’s interior hallway.
Violent Attempt to Snatch Bag
According to the victim, she had just inserted her keys into the front door when she noticed, out of the corner of her eye, someone approaching quickly from behind. ‘I put the keys in the door and, from the corner of my eye, I saw someone coming fast — he grabbed me, threw me to the ground, and pulled at my bag,’ she recounted.
‘I’m terrified. Is this even possible? To go up to your own home and be dragged down like that… I completely lost it at that moment.’
Neighbors Respond to Screams
The suspect had been following her unnoticed before seizing the opportunity to strike in the building’s courtyard. Initially stunned, the woman began shouting for help. ‘I started screaming. He kept pulling me, but I didn’t give in. I screamed, clutched my bag tightly, and screamed again. The groceries I was holding just flew out of my hands.’
Her cries drew several residents, one of whom attempted to chase the assailant — but failed to catch him.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Local residents say incidents like thefts and assaults are increasingly common along Palaio Faliro’s seaside area. With such events occurring repeatedly, many continue calling for improved police presence and security in the neighborhood.