Search for purse thief

Oct 9 2008

Police are appealing for help in trying to catch a thief who snatched an elderly woman’s purse and pushed two people onto the ground - one of them in his 70s.

A 73-year-old woman was walking near the entrance to the car park between Jillian’s florists and the Firs Working Men’s Club at Chase Terrace in broad daylight last Wednesday when the incident occurred.

The thief grabbed her black leather purse which contained a small amount of cash, and cards for Walsall Library and Cannock Leisure Centre, and then ran off.

The woman’s husband, who is in his 70s, and a passer-by, attempted to stop the thief, but were both pushed to the floor.

Police are appealing for the passer-by who tried to help to come forward. Following the incident he got into his car and drove away without leaving his name.

Detective Constable Mark Woodings, of Trent Valley CID, said: “This was a nasty incident which left a 73-year old woman and her husband deeply upset. Luckily, neither suffered serious injuries.”

He said the incident happened at a busy time of day so police are asking anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious to contact police.

The incident occurred around 2.30pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Woodings on 0300 123 44 55 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

l Calls to Crimestoppers from landlines are free and callers do not have to leave their name or any details which may identify them.