Church Handbag Thief Hunted For Targeting 90 Year-Old

Police are hunting this heartless handbag thief, who snatched a pensioner's bag and emptied it of cash during an Ash Wednesday church service in west London.

The woman was attending St. Nicholas' Church, Church Street, Hounslow on the evening of February 18 and left her handbag unattended while she approached the alter.

When she returned to her seat she found her handbag had been stolen.



The victim and others from the church searched the local area and found the bag and the woman's personal belongings on the street.



All the money in her purse had been taken.



The suspect was caught on CCTV entering the church and sitting at the back, before taking the victim’s bag and leaving.



The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 30-years of age and 6ft tall. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and was carrying a bag.



Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police on 101, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.