Police in Wickford are delighted to see evidence that the true spirit of Christmas…

Reshared post from +Essex Police

Police in Wickford are delighted to see evidence that the true spirit of Christmas is still present.

This follows an incident about 1.45pm on Friday, December 23, 2011 at W H Smith, High Street, Wickford where an 87-year-old woman had her purse stolen.

The woman was looking at some books as possible Christmas presents, but when she got to the till discovered that her purse had been stolen. She was in tears and very distressed. Realising what had happened another woman customer organised a collection from other customers in the queue and collected £60 for the elderly woman. Two other customers stayed with the woman and comforted her and she would like to thank everyone involved for their kindness and Christmas spirit.

Pc Carley Parodi, Wickford neighbourhood office said, "This was a despicable crime to be carried out against an elderly and vulnerable victim just before Christmas. The redeeming factors were the actions of the other customers which brought comfort and reassurance to her. All that remains is for people to help me identify and track down this callous thief."

The purse was off-white with a picture of a Prague bridge on it, and contained about £110 in cash. The victim has a disability which means that she was bent over and walking with a trolley. Pc Parodi would like to hear from anyone who was in W H Smith's and may have seen the victim and can help identify whoever may have stolen the purse.

Anyone with information should call police at Wickford on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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