Elderly woman victim of distraction theft in Newbury

She had money stolen from her handbag

Author: Jonathan RichardsPublished 23rd Oct 2024
Last updated 23rd Oct 2024

Police are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman was the victim of a distraction theft in Newbury.

The incident occurred at around 12pm on Friday (18/10), on Hectors Way.

The victim, a woman in her seventies, was approached in the Sainsbury’s car park by two offenders, one displaying brown paint on a tissue and the other claiming the victim had dropped money.

After the encounter, the victim discovered brown paint on the back of her jacket and her handbag had been tampered with and cash was stolen.

One of the offenders is described as a woman, aged between 40 and 50, had short dark curly hair and was wearing a pale pink puffer coat.

The other offender is also described as a woman, aged between 30 and 40, had dark hair and was wearing a pink jumper and black trousers.

Both offenders spoke with an eastern European accent.

Dash-cam

Staff investigator, Charis Griffiths, said:

“We are appealing for information following this incident.

“We are asking anyone who may have been in the car park area and may have witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

"We are also appealing for anyone with dash-cam to please check their recordings in case it has captured footage which may assist our investigation.

"Anyone with information can make a report online or call 101 quoting reference 43240502649.

“If you do not wish to speak to police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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