THE family of an 85-year-old grandmother who had £1,000 Christmas money stolen by distraction thieves, has been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have donated to a fundraiser to replace the missing cash.
Following the launch of the appeal last night nearly £1,300 has been raised, with the family hoping to raise £1,500 to bring some Christmas cheer to the 85-year-old grandmother from Latchford, who was left traumatised by the ordeal.
She has managed to get out today and is “feeling a bit better, says granddaughter Roxanne Eaves, who organised the appeal.
Roxanne added: “We are really overwhelmed by the donations and how generous people have been. We are going to get it all out on Monday and give it to her in a card as she isn’t aware on how much we have raised for her.”
The woman was left traumatised by the theft involving three women who stole the cash from her walking trolley after watching her withdraw it from a bank.
They then followed her onto the number 2 Latchford bus where she is believed to have been distracted while the money was stolen.
Warrington Worldwide understands CCTV footage from the bus has now been handed to police investigating the incident.
Donations can still be made via https://www.gofundme.com/f/pensioner-has-christmas-money-stolen
Following the incident Cheshire Police said: “At 3.52pm on Thursday 16 November police were called to reports of a high-value theft in Warrington.
“The caller reported that three women had stolen a large amount of cash from an 85-year-old woman who was travelling on the number 2 Latchford bus.
“The women are believed to have distracted the victim after following her onto the bus.
“The investigation is in its early stages and enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101, or at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting 1692502
