DROITWICH Police have released these CCTV images in a bid to catch the heartless thieves who stole purses from a partially-sighted 91-year-old and her 84-year-old friend.
The distraction theft took place at the town’s Aldi store about 2.30pm last Thursday (April 24) when the pair had finished their shopping and were at the till.
They were approached by a man and a woman they did not know who helped them pack their bags.
The one lady put her purse in the bottom of one of the shopping bags and the other one put hers in her handbag which was on her shoulder.
As the pair went into the car park with their shopping, the same man and woman, along with another man, approached them and offered to help them put their shopping in the car.
The woman was very persistent in helping and the man who was at the till tried to put one of the woman’s walking assistance trolley into the boot.
The first man and the woman were taking items out of the bags and putting them directly into the boot.
The elderly women were somewhat confused by the actions but thanked the two men and woman. The three left the car park, but it is not known in which direction they went.
It was then the pair realised the two purses had been stolen. One was a black and white snakeskin style purse containing cash and bank cards and the other, which was cream, had in it money, bank cards and a bus pass.
The first man was almost 6ft tall, had dark short hair and was wearing a black leather like jacket and light coloured trousers.
The woman and the second man were both wearing dark clothing.
All three were slightly dark-skinned and spoke English poorly.
Insp Janet Heritage said: “This is a despicable crime where these people have deliberately targeted two vulnerable victims.”
She urged any witnesses or anyone with any information to call her on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
