‘Heartless’ thief tricks 94-year-old woman

A 94-year-old woman is still shaking after a stranger she tried to help verbally abused her and stole her wallet.

On Friday, Paula ( not her real name) was in Whanganui buying her granddaughter a birthday card when a woman asked for a lift.

Paula had just parked her car opposite Whitcoulls.

“It was pouring with rain, horrendous weather, and her story seemed plausible so I agreed to give her a lift.”

Paula said she had no idea where they were going but followed the woman’s instructions.

“The car started to get foggy and the weather was just horrendous so I was concentrating on my driving.”

The woman’s attitude changed and she became verbally abusive.

“I started to feel quite afraid so I pulled over and had to physically push her out of the car.”

As the woman got out, she said, “You stupid b****, I’ve got your money”.

Realising the woman had her wallet, Paula drove to the police station: “The police were very good. They showed a great deal of compassion and even made me a cup of tea.”

Whanganui police crime prevention manager Senior Sergeant Andrew McDonald called the theft “heartless”.

The thief was female, about 50, thin, with fair skin.

Anyone with information can contact Whanganui police on 349 0600, or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.