Police in Porstwood are appealing for witnesses and information after an attempted handbag snatch in the area.
At 6.18pm yesterday (Thursday 28, October), a 57-year-old woman was walking home alone from work heading south on Portswood Road.
She crossed at the junction of Gordon Road when she became aware of a man who crossed at the same time as her. As she reached the kerb on the other side of the road just outside the Gordon Arms pub the man reached across the victim in an attempt to grab her bag.
As she pulled the bag away and swung it at him, he made another attempt to reach the bag saying “give me your purse”.
She was able to swing her bag at him again and screamed. The man was not successful in stealing the bag and walked off down Gordon Avenue. He is described as: White, 6ft tall, 38 to 40-years-old, slim build, short dark straight hair with a slight fringe, clean shaven and clean complexion.
He was wearing a black bomber style waist length jacket which had dark brown panels on the front and black trousers. He was described as looking smart and had a local accent.
PC Ian Swan of Portswood police station, said: “At the time the area was fairly busy with passing traffic and pedestrians during rush hour. Afterwards the victim was assisted by a kind lady who comforted her and offered to walk her home and I’m confident that this incident was seen by other members of the public.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ian Swan at Portswood police station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45.
