Epsom thieves steal pensioner's Christmas story (From This Is Local London)

Epsom thieves steal pensioner's Christmas story

10:00am Tuesday 3rd November 2009 in

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Despicable thieves snatched a pensioner’s Christmas savings of £2,600 from right inside the main Epsom post office.

The 75-year-old woman was left empty handed just minutes after withdrawing the cash from her Christmas savings club and putting it in a wallet inside her handbag.

While she waited in the post office in Epsom High Street at about 11.15am on Monday, October 26 a man sat beside her and pointed to some money on the floor.

She said it was not her money but when the man became insistent she turned to pick it up.

She felt a tug on her handbag and then realised that the man had gone and her savings were missing.

There is no description of the man who indicated to the money except he was in the company of a woman and both of them spoke with a heavy Eastern European accent.

Both the man and woman left the post office in opposite directions.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rebecca Sargeant said: “This is a particularly nasty crime to take place as we believe this elderly lady was deliberately targeted.

“Only minutes earlier she had withdrawn her entire Christmas savings, money which should have been spent on herself, her husband and their family, but instead these callous thieves have deprived them of that.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in High Street, Epsom, last Monday morning (26 October) at about 11.15am, to come forward. With your help we can ensure those responsible for this theft are brought to justice.

“I would also like to remind shoppers not to get distracted and always keep your valuables securely locked away.

“Any information, no matter how significant it may seem to you, could make all the difference to my investigation.”

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number EP/09/5075 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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