Women sought after theft of pensioner's life savings

By pjames paul james pjames@heraldexpress.co.uk

POLICE today issued these images of two women they want to trace in connection with the theft of a 95-year-old Newton Abbot pensioner's life savings.

The woman's Post Office savings account has been cleaned out.

Her Post Office book and pin number were stolen at Christmas and 14 withdrawals have been made, removing £6,000.

Sgt Jon Phillips (left) of Torbay police said: "This type of crime makes my stomach turn.

"Anyone who can steal from a lady of this age must be caught."

And he added: "We call on the readers of the Herald Express to help us catch the people responsible for this crime."

The elderly victim of the crime had her Post Office book and pin number stolen from her during the Christmas period last year.

Since then her details have been used by the thieves to make 14 cash withdrawals which have completely cleared out her account.

The illegal transactions were executed immediately after Christmas and in January.

Officers are particularly anxious to trace the woman pictured in the white headband. She sometimes wears a white hat.

They are also keen to trace the woman seen with her wearing a pink scarf. Police believe she may be an accomplice.

The CCTV images are from post offices in Torquay.

Sgt Phillips said: "The identity of these two women is not known to us.

"We would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who may recognise them. They should make contact as soon as they can."

He added: "These women may be friends, family members, work colleagues or neighbours."

Anyone with information should ring Sgt Phillips on 08452 777444, quoting FT/10/541.