CRIME Bag thief preys on elder

By: watches2010 Mood: Date: 01/31/2010 18:32:30 Music: None

A BAG snatcher who preys on elderly women has struck again, robbing two pensioners in broad daylight.

The teenage robber - who is thought to be just 15 - has targeted six women over the last two weeks.

He picks on vulnerable victims as he rides about on a bicycle in the Bretton and Longthorpe areas of the city.

The latest robbery took place in Bretton Gate, Bretton, Peterborough, at about 12.15pm, on Friday.

A 68-year-old Bretton woman was cycling along Horrell's pathway, towards the Edith Cavell Hospital, when she became aware of someone behind her.

She moved to one side, but the cyclist grabbed her handbag from the basket on the bike and rode off towards Middleton Primary School, in Bretton.

He escaped with items worth a total of about [pounds sterling]200, including a pair of glasses, cash, cards and tobacco.

Just 30 minutes earlier, another city woman, aged 90, was also attacked by a thief fitting an "identical" description.

The pensioner was walking along Bradwell Road, Longthorpe, towards Jack Hunt School, in Netherton, when the youth rode past her and snatched her handbag from her shoulder.

The robbery took place at about 11.40am, police revealed today.

The bag contained a purse and a small amount of cash.

Peterborough police believe the attacks were carried out by the same youth.

Iain Allan, of the crime management unit at Thorpe Wood police station, said: "We are very anxious to catch this thief as the attacks appear to be becoming more frequent and he is mainly picking on the frail and elderly.

"If he is not caught it could only be a matter of time before one of the victims is injured or taken ill as a result of an attack.

"We need the public to help us on this one and would appeal for anyone who may know this thief or have information about him to come forward."

The youth is described as white, medium build and aged about 15. He has short fair hair and has been seen wearing a bright coloured anorak.

? Anyone with information should contact police on 01733 563232.

Teenager blamed for four other robberies

AS reported in The Evening Telegraph, the teenage robber is believed to have targeted four other women in the city.

? A 91-year-old woman was attacked at embroideredpatches 11.30am on Thursday after she got off a bus in Longthorpe.

? On Tuesday, October 21, a 22-year-old mother had her bag snatched as she pushed her son in a pram in the Tollgate underpass, Bretton.

? A 75-year-old woman had her handbag ripped from her shoulder on Wednesday, October 29, as she got off the bus in Longthorpe Green, Longthorpe.

? On Saturday, November 1, a pensioner was robbed in Meynell Walk, Netherton, after she left the post office.

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