'Despicable' thief steals pensioner's handbag (From Oxford Mail)

'Despicable' thief steals pensioner's handbag

2:46pm Tuesday 31st August 2010 in

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A pensioner had her handbag stolen from her walking aid, in what police described as a "despicable" crime.

The 83-year-old was shopping in Abingdon Market Place last Thursday when she noticed her navy blue leather handbag had been stolen from her Rollator Mobility walking aid.

She last had her handbag at 2.10pm and noticed it was missing at 2.35pm, while shopping in M&Co.

The stolen handbag contained a red wallet, with driving licence, bank cards and £70 cash, and a small brown leather bag, which contained a door key, medication, and a Rover car key and fob.

Pc Gareth Clarke said: “When the victim was shopping in M&Co, she noticed another customer very close to her, invading her personal space and actually asked her to move away.

“We would like to trace this woman in connection with this theft.

“She is white, between 30 and 40-years-old, average build and around 5ft 3ins.

“She had mousey light-brown, shoulder-length, straight hair and was wearing a long-sleeved jacket or coat which was beige or metallic gold.

“Stealing someone’s belongings from their mobility aid is a particularly despicable crime and the victim has been left very upset.

“I am keen to find the person who targeting this elderly and vulnerable victim and would urge anyone with any information about the incident or who recognises the description of the woman to contact me.”

Anyone with any information should contact Pc Clarke on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.