Police search for thief

Woman targeted

Police are appealing for witnesses after a thief tried to snatch a 21-year- old woman’s bag in Livingston.

The incident happened at around 8am last Wednesday (July 19) in the Howden area as the woman was walking on St John’s path, Howden Park near the traffic lights.

The woma n w a s approached by a man who tried to take her handbag. He was unsuccessful but took her earphones and ran north along a footpath in the direction of Howden House and St John’s Hospital.

The suspect is described as being white, approximately 40- years- old, slim build, clean shaven and with a distinctive mole or brown mark on the right side of his jaw- line that is oval in shape and about the size of a thumbnail.

He was believed to be wearing a baggy dark navy blue hooded jumper with small white writing on it across the chest and black or dark blue shell suit bottoms.

Constable Craig Ireland from the Robbery Investigation Unit in Bathgate said: “The woman refused to surrender her handbag during this incident and thankfully she was not injured. We are now actively pursuing various lines of inquiry and would ask if anyone recognises the suspect description to come forward as soon as possible. Anyone who believes they can help us identify this male, or who has information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact police immediately.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0723 of 19th July 2017 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.