NEWS RELEASE 23/02/2004

Luton Pensioner Robbed

Luton Police are appealing for witnesses and information after an elderly man was robbed of his pension in the Arndale Centre this morning. The offence happened at around 8.30am. The 80-year-old man had just been given his pension by a friend who had collected it for him and was sitting opposite a shop called ‘Paperwax’ counting the £139 when a black man came up to him, bit the hand holding the cash, grabbed the money and ran. The elderly victim, who is paralysed down one side following a stroke five years ago, was unable to stop the offender or hold onto the cash as it was his weak side. He has been unable to give any proper description of the offender other than he is a black man. Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the offence, or a man hanging around before it to contact them. Police are urging shoppers not to display cash or any item of value in a bid to stop potential opportunistic thieves in the town centre. Anyone with information should contact Pc Michelle Moore at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 401212, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.