Witnesses sought after £600 theft from elderly man in Lancaster

The incident occured at around 10am on Thursday, October 27 in Common Garden Street, and police are appealing for any information about what they describe as a “despicable distraction theft”.

The man, aged 78, had withdrawn around £600 in cash from a bank on Market Street.

While he was waiting for his wife to pick him up nearby in Common Garden Street, the woman approached him and distracted him by asking for directions and placing a map in front of him.

It is believed that the woman took the cash from his jacket pocket and then walked off down Penny Street towards Cheapside.

The woman is described as white, aged in her mid-thirties, 5ft 3in and of a proportionate build.

She was described as wearing a black beanie hat, a royal blue jacket and dark trousers.

PC Stephen Kavanagh of Lancaster Police said: “This was a despicable distraction theft against an elderly man and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity at the time of the theft. If you witnessed what happened or have any information that could assist with our enquiries then please contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 732 of October 27.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.