[IMAGE: CCTV still of the woman police would like to speak to]
Officers from Lambeth Borough investigating a theft from an elderly woman have issued CCTV image of a woman they wish to speak to in connection with the incident
On Thursday, 21 July, at around 13:00hrs a 78-year-old woman went into Lloyds TSB bank in Brixton and withdrew £5,000 to give to her family following the death of a relative.
She left the bank and walked down Coldharbour Lane towards Atlantic road and Brixton’s indoor market in Market Row.
Unbeknown to the victim she was being followed by two women who were believed to have been in the bank at the same time.
The victim stopped at butchers Dombey Meats in Brixton market. One of the women had then pretended to fall ill.
The victim, a former nurse, went to the aid of the woman, but the suspect took this opportunity to make a cut to the victim’s shopping trolley with a knife and take the cash from inside.
The victim unaware continued shopping, only later discovering a vertical incision through the fabric of the bag where her cash was stored which had been taken.
Officer on the case, PC Susan Nash said: “This is a horrible crime that has left the victim stripped of her independence.
“She’s now afraid to leave the house, scared she could be followed again. This is a victim who gave her life to caring for others as a nurse, who wanted to use some of her life savings to help her family. We urge anyone who has any information to get in touch.”
Officers are keen to speak to the following woman who officers believe may be able to help.
The woman [image ref 220778] is described as an Asian woman in her 20s with dark clothing and a dark head scarf
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or witness the woman shown on the CCTV image or who was shopping at Dombey Meats that day.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.