Police linking three attacks on pensioners in West Sussex
All were approached by a woman who tried to snatch their watches
Police investigating three attempted muggings on pensioners in West Sussex believe the incidents may be linked.
Three men in their 80s and 90s were targeted during incidents throughout February, two in Littlehampton and a third in Storrington.
The first incident was reported at the beginning of February in East Preston, when a 94-year-old man was approached by a woman in a headscarf in Station Parade.
Carrying a clipboard, she pretended to be mute, gestured to him to sign her petition through his car window and grabbed him for a ‘hug and a kiss’.
She then removed his Rolex watch and made off towards the sea.
A 91-year-old man suffered minor injuries in a similar incident in Fitzalan Road in Littlehampton on February 12th.
He was approached by a woman at around 2.30pm that day, who grabbed his Rolex and headed off towards East Street.
The woman was described as slim, 5ft 5ins tall and wearing a colourful dress.
Last Tuesday, a man in his 80s was approached in Manleys Hill in Storrington by a woman with a clipboard asking for donations.
The victim gave her a small donation, after which she tried to take a watch from his wrist.
She left empty-handed after a passer-by stepped in.
She was described by police as white, aged between her 20s and 35, with shoulder-length brown hair.
She was wearing glasses and an olive green coat, police said, and made off in the direction of High Street and School Hill.
Sussex Police has said the specialist West Sussex Community Investigation Team is now on the case.
Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents, or who may have information, can contact police online or by calling 101.
Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously through 0800 555 111.