Police in Southampton are appealing for witnesses after an 80-year-old woman almost became a victim of a robbery in Park Road, Shirley.
The woman was approached from behind by a youth on a bike at about 1.15pm yesterday, Thursday, October 16 by a man who grabbed her handbag and tried to run off with it. However he didn’t bargain on the woman refusing to let go. The robber pushed her and she still didn’t let go. The youth then gave up and rode off on his bike towards Paynes Road empty handed.
The robber is described as: Aged around 16, 5ft 4inches tall and chubby. He was wearing a black sports jacket, blue trousers, a white baseball cap and had dark hair. He rode a black bike.
PC Mike Williamson from the Street Robbery Investigation Team in Southampton is investigating the incident.
He said: “Though the victim did manage to stop this robber in his tracks she has been left extremely shaken by what happened. I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed anything suspicious to contact me.
“I’d also like to appeal to any other elderly people to contact me should they have been a victim of a similar nature that they haven’t yet reported.
“I’d advise women, whatever their age, to always be careful with their handbags. Make sure they are as secure as possible when walking around and not easy for someone to grab.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Williamson at the Street Robbery Investigation Unit at Hulse Road on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
