Retired Nurse Targeted By Heartless Thieves

Suspect In Victim's Bank

Police are hunting two despicable thieves, who slashed a retired nurse's shopping trolley to steal £5,000, after distracting her by feigning illness.

The 78 year-old victim went to the thief's aid when she collapsed by her side and this distraction technique allowed the accomplice to snatch the savings.

On Thursday, July 21, at around 1.00pm the victim went into Lloyds TSB bank in Brixton and withdrew the cash to give to her family following the death of a relative.

She left the bank and walked down Coldharbour Lane towards Atlantic road and Brixton's indoor market in Market Row.

She was being followed by the two women thieves, who were believed to have been in the bank at the same time.

The victim stopped at butchers Dombey Meats in Brixton market, where one of the women had then pretended to fall ill.

As the victim went to the aid of the woman her accomplice took the opportunity to cut the victim's shopping trolley with a knife and take the cash from inside.

The victim was unaware and continued shopping, only later discovering a vertical incision through the fabric of the bag, where her cash was stored.

WPC Susan Nash said: "This is a horrible crime that has left the victim stripped of her independence.

"She's now afraid to leave the house, scared she could be followed again.

“This is a victim who gave her life to caring for others as a nurse, who wanted to use some of her life savings to help her family.

“We urge anyone who has any information to get in touch."

Officers are keen to speak to the suspect, who is described as an Asian woman in her twenties with dark clothing and a dark head scarf.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or witness the woman shown on the CCTV image or who was shopping at Dombey Meats that day.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.