Police appeal after handbag theft

Mar 15 2012 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

POLICE are appealing for help to trace a thief who robbed an elderly woman.

The 68-year-old was walking towards the Wester Inch village along Old Well Road, around 10.10pm last Wednesday (March 7), when a man approached her as she reached the junction of Tollbraes Road.

He demanded the woman hand over her bag, however, she refused and struck him with her walking stick.

But as a result of the struggle, the victim fell to the ground and the man made off towards Blackburn Road with her bag.

A local resident, who heard the disturbance, came to help the woman and called police.

Officers are now carrying out local enquiries to identify the man responsible and are urging anyone who can help them to come forward.

He is described as white, between 28 and 40-years-old, between five feet two and five feet five tall with a slim build. He was wearing a balaclava and black jacket.

A police spokesman said: “The elderly victim showed great courage when she refused to hand over her bag.

“Anyone who was in the area and remembers seeing anything suspicious, either before or after the incident is asked to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.