Shameful as OAP in 80s robbed at shop
Cruel thieves stalk pensioner before snatching handbag
A traumatised pensioner in her 80s was the victim of a cruel handbag snatch by a thief at a charity shop in Wishaw town centre.
The shocking incident, which took place inside the PDSA charity shop last Tuesday saw the woman, in her 80s robbed of her handbag that was sitting in her walker.
A concerned friend of the pensioner contacted the Wishaw Press via our Facebook page to warn others.
She said: “Be aware, a friend in her 80s got her handbag stolen in the PDSA charity shop in Wishaw.
“A young woman distracted her while someone else took the bag from her walker. She thinks they followed her from the bank so knew she had cash on her.
“Please make sure any of your elderly or vulnerable friends are alerted to this. “It is shameful.” A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed that inquiries were continuing in this latest bag snatch.
Police also appealed for information after a similar crime was committed in the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Motherwell’s Merry Street on December 13 sbout 1pm.
On that occasion, a 67- year- old woman had her purse stolen from her handbag, containing money.
Earlier this month, the Wishaw Press reported that police were urging members of the public to remain vigilant when out shopping over the busy festive period.
Officers noted that there has been an increase of sneak or distraction thefts in busy shops where purses or cash have been stolen from handbags and pockets without the person realising until they go to pay for items.
The majority of these thefts have took place within shops in Motherwell town centre.
Inspector Alistair Anderson, from Wishaw Police Office, said: “People shopping at this time of year need to be alert to the fact that there are those who come into our town centres to target shoppers with a view to stealing from them.”
Anyone with information regarding these bag snatches are asked to contact
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