Distraction thieves steal elderly woman's purse at Oswestry supermarket
An 87-year-old woman was the victim of a distraction theft at Aldi in Oswestry on Tuesday.
Police have released CCTV footage of the crime which happened in the store at around 10.25am.
Investigating officers are appealing for anyone with information or who recognises the two men involved to call 101 quoting reference 251S 241017.
A JustGiving crowdfunding page set up by Oswestry resident Amanda Williams in aid of the victim has raised almost three thousand pounds.
Writing on her JustGiving page, Amanda said: “I would like to help [show] this 87-year-old lady who was just doing her shopping that there is still some good in the world. This could be my nan, your nan, it's not nice to happen to anyone.”
Amanda explained that all donations made to the appeal will be handed over to Oswestry Police station, who will then give the funds to the victim directly.
The JustGiving appeal was set up yesterday, and after being shared 185 times on Facebook, donations quickly topped the original £200 target.
Updating her page, Amanda said: “Donations have been coming in thick and fast. I want to thank all of you who have liked, shared or donated. I don't know this lady personally but I just felt something had to be done to show here we are not all bad.”
Donors left messages of support on the JustGiving page. One wrote: “God bless her poor woman! I hope she buys herself a special treat.” Another said: “Please let this lady know there are people who are outraged that this has happened to her and send her our love.”
To support the appeal, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amanda-williams-1.
Update: CCTV images have been removed following two arrests in connection with the incident.
