Elderly shopper falls victim to purse thieves in Newport
Police are urging shoppers to be vigilant after thieves stole cash from an elderly woman as she shopped in Newport.
An 88 year-old woman was shopping in the town centre when she was approached by three unknown individuals – two males and a female - at around 12.15pm yesterday in Stafford Road.
Members of the group asked her for directions and one of the males produced a map. Minutes later the group left on foot.
When the woman returned home she realised that the two purses she carried in her bag were missing. She called police.
Police are investigating the matter and are urging shoppers to be vigilant.
A Telford Police spokeswoman said: “The elderly woman was making her way home from Newport along Stafford Road, following a morning of shopping.
“As she walked along the road she was approached by three individuals who asked her for directions to Cottage Hospital. They spoke in broken English and one of the males produced a map.
“The group crowded the woman with the map and it is believed that at this point the purses were stolen.
“One of the purses is described as brown and contained around £90. The other purse – a black one – contained around £500 in £20 notes.
“The victim is extremely upset and is being looked after relatives.
“We want to hear from anyone who was in Newport on Tuesday morning and saw the group of suspects. If you saw anything at all that could help us with our enquiries then we would like to hear from you.
“We would also urge shoppers to be especially vigilant and to keep their personal possessions to hand at all times.
“Busy shoppers can become a target so we would advise people to avoid carrying large amounts of cash and to keep their purses and wallets securely fastened at all times.
“We would also like to remind people to be particularly mindful if they have been to a bank or used an ATM cash machine. Someone may have been watching you, so be vigilant if you are approached by a stranger immediately afterwards.”
Anyone with information about the theft should contact Telford Police on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.
