Police hunt callous bag snatch thief in Lancashire

by Tony McConville. Published Fri 23 Dec 2011 11:44

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a heartless thief stole money from an elderly lady whilst she lay helpless on the floor following a fall in Burnley this morning (Fri).

The victim, an 81-year-old lady, was walking along Burdett Street, when she fell to the floor at around 8am.

Whilst on the floor the thief has walked up to her and taken her handbag which contained £200 which she had saved for Christmas.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Haynes said the local community will be disgusted at the crime:"This is a callous act of theft, from an 81 year old vulnerable lady whilst she lay helpless, having fallen over in the street. Whilst most decent minded people would have assisted the lady in her time of need, this thief has taken advantage of her misfortune.

“She has understandably been left heartbroken by what has happened to her, especially with it being so close to Christmas.

“I hope that people will come forward in this season of goodwill, to give us information about who may have been responsible for this crime so we can hopefully bring this thief to justice.

"Even hardened criminals will be ashamed by this heinous act and I would ask them to help us find who is responsible.”

The thief is described as a white man, slim build, possibly in his twenties, wearing a dark hooded top with the hood pulled up.

Anyone with information can contact DS Charlie Haynes or DC Steve Acres at Pennine CID by calling 01282 472240. Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.