Thief ruins Christmas for 94-year-old (From Penarth Times)

Thief ruins Christmas for 94-year-old

8:20am Thursday 10th December 2009

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A 94-YEAR-OLD woman says her Christmas has been ruined by a thief who swiped her handbag – stealing savings to buy presents for her 11 great-grandchildren.

Francis Hobbs, who lives in Dinas Powys, was stocking up for Christmas at the Morrisons store in Barry on Thursday (December 3) when her bag was taken.

The pensioner was about to join a check-out queue when the thief struck, stealing house keys and £100 in cash.

A Morrisons savings card, that Mrs Hobbs had added money to throughout the year to buy festive presents for her family, was also taken.

“It really has shaken me,” she said.

“I was in shock when I realised what had happened.

“The shop was very busy and people were pushing.

“I clipped my handbag on the back of the trolley, then a woman shoved past me.

“When I looked down, my bag had gone.

“I have a big family so had been saving up through the year to buy presents for my five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren,” she added.

“I felt terrible when I realised what had happened.

“I’ve always trusted people throughout my life, but not any more.”

Mrs Hobbs’ nephew, Edward Jenkins, has been comforting his aunt since her ordeal.

Mr Jenkins said: “You start to wonder what is wrong with society when a person robs a pensioner.

“My aunt has been shaken by this, but her motto has always been to get back up when you’ve been knocked down - and at 94, it’s served her well.

“It has spoiled Christmas for her, but the family has rallied round.

“Her main concern now is that other people don’t experience this type of crime.”

South Wales Police is investigating the theft and officers have studied CCTV footage from Morrisons in the hope of identifying the culprit.

The suspect is described as a white female aged between 35 and 40 years, of slim build with long dark hair. She was wearing a three-quarter length black coat.

Barry Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Louise Davies said: "This was a despicable act and we will not tolerate it. “The victim is an elderly lady who was doing her shopping and when her guard was dropped, the culprit made off with her handbag.”

Mrs Hobbs has thanked police and shop staff for their help after the incident.

She added: “The shop supervisor was very kind.

“He could see I was in shock and took me for a cup of tea, which calmed me down.

“The police and my family have also been marvellous and the local community have been supportive.

“If telling my story means others take more care with their handbags, then at least some good will have come of it.”

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Barry Police Station on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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