Motherwell pensioner robbed of four-figure sum of cash

Oct 29 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

POLICE were this week appealing for witnesses after a pickpocket stole a four-figure sum of cash from a Motherwell pensioner.

The 83-year-old woman had been to the bank in Brandon Parade, at about 1.30pm on October 19, and had withdrawn a large amount of money, which she then put into an envelope.

A short time later, she checked her bag and discovered the envelope and the cash were missing.

Police revealed that a similar incident occurred on Brandon Parade East, between 11.15am and noon, on October 23 when a 43-year-old woman had her purse and mobile phone taken from her bag.

Constable William Ballantyne, from Motherwell Police’s community safety department, said: “There have been several thefts of this type within the last month in the Motherwell town centre area.

“People should be extra vigilant if carrying cash and should make sure that their wallets or purses are kept secure and not left in open view.”

Anyone who has any further information on these incidents should contact PC Walkinshaw at Wishaw Police Office or PC Jackson at Motherwell Police Office.

Meanwhile, police were this week investigating two incidents of wilful fire -raising at flats in Dalriada Crescent, Motherwell.

The incidents took place last Tuesday, October 20, when a fire was started in the block of flats.

Smoke from the fire extensively damaged the close in the flats and a wooden door frame was also damaged.

Anyone who has any further information on these incident should contact PC Nisbet at Wishaw Police Office.