A woman pretending to collect for charity mugged a man in his nineties a week before Christmas, Sussex Police said today (Tuesday 30 December).
The force said: “Did you witness a woman steal money from an elderly man in The Street, Rustington?
“At around 12pm on Thursday 18 December, a man in his nineties was returning to his vehicle near to Specsavers when he was approached by a woman, said to be collecting money for a charity in support of deaf people.
“It was reported that the victim took out his wallet to donate money. However, before he could hand it over, the woman attempted to steal it.
“The victim managed to retain possession of his wallet but the woman quickly fled the scene with a large sum of his cash.
“The suspect is described as a woman in her thirties to forties, around 5ft 6in and with dark hair.
“She was wearing a dark long coat with a hood, which she wore up, and was carrying a clipboard.
“If you saw what happened, know who the woman is, or have any CCTV from the area that could assist the investigation, we ask you contact police.
“If you have any information concerning similar incidents, or believe you have been targeted, we also ask that you make a report.
“Contact can be made online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 733 of 18/12.”
