Elderly Woman Robbed on Friday Night

Police "appalled" by thief who stole from her mobility vehicle

Ealing Borough Police would like to appeal for help from the general public in identifying a male suspect who they believe is responsible for the robbery of an elderly female in Bowes Road, W3 at approximately 9:45pm on Friday 18th April.

The victim, in her 80's from Acton, was returning home from a night at Bingo when the incident took place. She was wearing a long green overcoat and was using a blue mobility electric vehicle at the time of the incident. She told Police she saw the suspect in Friars Place Lane a couple of minutes before the incident. She thought that he looked like he was looking for somewhere or about to go into an address along Friars Place Lane, W3.

The victim continued her journey and had just entered Bowes Road when the same man she had passed in Friars Place Lane came up from behind her and stole her handbag which was resting on the footplate of the mobility vehicle.

The suspect then got into the drivers seat of a silver-grey hatchback car parked in Bowes Road. The car was last seen reversing out of Bowes Rd into Friars Place Lane travelling North.

Police are searching for a man they describe as a Black Male, 30-40 years old, wearing a dark jacket - possibly blue. He was wearing khaki/cream trousers and black shoes and had receding black hair.

Property stolen from the victim included her Black Shoulder bag which contained a Samsung Ultra Mobile, some cosmetics and a small quantity of cash.

An Ealing Police Spokesperson Stated today:

"This was a particularly nasty and despicable act on a elderly member of our community who has been left extremely shaken by the ordeal. The victim was also wearing a neck brace and arm support following a recent accident and officers are appalled that the suspect would prey on someone so vulnerable.

"We would appeal for witness who may have information about the incident, or residents and passers by who may have seen a male acting suspiciously in the area to call Ealing Borough CID on 0208 721 7040 quoting crime reference 2511227/08.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

April 22, 2008