Police issue warning after attempted theft in Bridgnorth
Police in Shropshire have issued a security reminder after an attempted theft in Bridgnorth.
The incident occurred in the Co-Operative store on Mill Street, Bridgnorth on Monday.
At around 3.30pm, an 83-year-old lady who had just withdrawn £100 from the Post Office entered the Co-Op store.
While she was selecting some bananas an unknown man approached her and started talking to her. As he talked to her another man quietly came up behind her and attempted to reach into her handbag to steal her purse.
However, the lady saw the second man reach into her bag and warned him off which forced the two men to quickly flee the scene without taking anything.
A police spokesman said:
“The elderly lady was very alert in this instance and because of this she did not lose her purse or any of the money that was in it.
“We are keeping an open mind but we are looking at the possibility that the two men had followed the lady from the Post Office and therefore CCTV work is ongoing in the locality at the present time to see if we can spot the two would be thieves.
“The first of the two men that approached the lady is described as being white but tanned, around 5ft 7inches tall, in his late 40, with a muscular build, as having short hair and a grey goatee beard, and as wearing dark coloured jeans and a blue and white checked shirt.
“The second man is described as being white, around 5ft 8inches tall, with a large build and as having a bald head.
“Although the thieves were unsuccessful in this instance this should act a timely reminder to people that they should keep their personal belongings safe at all times and ensure their bags and handbags are zipped or buttoned up whenever they are out in public.
“It only takes a second for a well practised thief to carry out this type of theft so people are asked to be on their guard whenever they are out shopping.
“Meanwhile anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police in Shropshire on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 285S 050813.
“Alternatively, please remember that information can also be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
