Pensioner targeted by distraction thieves at supermarket

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:04 · Archive

A 79-year-old woman had her purse and phone stolen by two men using a distraction technique at a Sainsbury's in the West Midlands.

A 79-year-old woman was targeted by two men using a distraction theft technique at a Sainsbury's on Halesowen Street in Rowley Regis on 1 October at around 4.15pm. The woman, who does not wish to be named, had withdrawn cash and completed her shopping before placing her bags in her car boot. As she stood at her vehicle, a man approached and told her she had left something in her trolley. She left her handbag on the passenger seat to check.

Unbeknown to her, a second man crouched by the car and held the passenger door slightly ajar, preventing it from locking properly. When she returned to her car, she found her purse containing £130 and her phone had been stolen. The box of tissues she had gone to retrieve was not hers.

The woman said the incident left her deeply distressed. She stated: 'Thank goodness they didn't attack me or hurt me - it really upset me - I couldn't stop shaking.' She has become more cautious since the theft and is urging other shoppers to remain vigilant. West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the distraction theft.

How it is being reported

• OAP left 'shaking uncontrollably' after being targeted by thieves at supermarketA PENSIONER who was left uncontrollably shaking when she was targeted by distraction thieves at a supermarket is warning other shoppers to be on their guard.Malvern Gazette · 14 Oct, 05:20
• OAP left 'shaking uncontrollably' after being targeted by thieves at supermarketA PENSIONER who was left uncontrollably shaking when she was targeted by distraction thieves at a supermarket is warning other shoppers to be on their guard.Worcester News · 14 Oct, 05:20

In this story: Sainsbury's · Halesowen Street · Rowley Regis · West Midlands Police

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