The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Donations pour in after thief snatches pension
ARBROATH: Generous community rallies round to help elderly woman
An 81-year-old Arbroath woman has been “overwhelmed” by the generosity of neighbours who rallied round after her pension was stolen.
Silver Beedie, 81, had collected her pension from the Cairnie Street Post Office in the town on August 7 when a thief snatched £160 in cash.
As soon as news of the shocking attack emerged, the community began raising money and handing in gifts for the octogenarian.
Several groups posted appeals online and within just a few hours more than £600 had been collected for her at Peggy’s Takeaway on Keptie Street.
An envelope with even more money was later posted through her door.
In total, she received £755 from kindhearted locals.
She said: “I was stunned by the generosity of the community.
“As well as receiving £600, I also received various lovely gifts, cards and even had groceries and chocolates handed in to the house.
“That wasn’t all – a day or two later an envelope was handed in with another £95. “Thank you all so much.” She added: “I was not hurt myself, just a little shaken and very angry.”
Ms Beedie said: “I had withdrawn £160 and put it on top of my purse and he just grabbed it, there was no hope of catching him.”
She said: “I asked whether I should
Thank you all so much. SILVER BEEDIE
give the money back but was told I should just keep it.
“I have to get help in the house and with the dog so I’ll use it for that.”
Police are still hunting for the thief and said they are keen to speak to an elderly couple who were in the area at the time and may have seen the perpetrator.