Pictured: Women being hunted by police after pickpocket gang stole large amount of cash from bus passenger who had just withdrawn it from the bank
- The victim screamed out loud when she realised she had been pickpocketed
These are the women police are looking for after an 86-year-old woman had a large amount of cash stolen on a bus.
The victim was said to have ‘screamed out loud’ when she realised she had fallen victim to a distraction pick-pocket theft.
She had only just withdrawn £1,000 from the bank to buy Christmas presents in town.
But she was watched in the bank by a group of three women through the window who then followed her onto the number 2 Latchford bus in Warrington, Warrington Guardian reported.
One of the women distracted her while another removed the envelope of cash from her handbag in her walking trolley. Then the group got off at the next stop.
A police caller reported that three women had stolen a large amount of cash from a woman at 3.52pm on Thursday, November 16.
Officers launched an investigation and have released CCTV images of three women who they believe hold vital information in relation to the incident
Initial enquiries suggest the women could also have links to Sheffield
It is believed the victim was distracted while the theft was carried out, after the gang followed her onto the bus.
The woman, who remains anonymous, said: ‘When I lifted the lid up, everything was opened and I screamed on the bus in shock.
‘Be very careful, I have told a few people myself.
‘I’d like to say, whether you think yourself safe or not, make sure you are.
‘Be aware it can happen to you anywhere.’
Officers launched an investigation and have released CCTV images of three women who they believe hold vital information in relation to the incident.
Initial enquiries suggest the women could also have links to Sheffield.
Since the theft, the family of the victim set up an online donations page for compensation and it has received more than £1,623 so far.
Speaking about the victim, the family said: ‘She is doing well. We are all just so grateful and appreciative of everyone who has donated and given kind words of support.
‘She is shaken up, has lost all trust in people, does not want to go out of the house and will not go out alone now due to being scared.
‘We feel absolutely disgusted that some people could do something like this to an old lady.
‘She is the loveliest lady and will do anything she can to help anyone out.’
A police caller reported that three women had stolen a large amount of cash from a woman at 3.52pm on Thursday, November 16
PC Graham Davies said: ‘In the run-up to Christmas, when many of us may be withdrawing cash for Christmas presents, please remember to be vigilant and take care.
‘This really can happen to anyone, anywhere, and people can have very sophisticated ways of distracting you before stealing your belongings. Some people may not even realise it has happened to them until much later.
‘If possible, don’t withdraw large amounts of cash in one go, or try and use cashless methods of payment.
‘Our investigation in relation to this incident is ongoing and if you have any information which might help us, please contact us via our website or 101, quoting IML-1692502.’
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