Thief steals woman's bag in Walton church

Jul 27 2010 By Vicki Eltis

St Mary's Church, in Church Street, Weybridge

AN ELDERLY cleaner who volunteers at a Walton church was targeted by a callous thief on Saturday (July 24) who stole her handbag.

The victim, a women in her 70's, from Walton, was targeted by the thief who had sat in St Mary's Church, in Church Street, and started up a conversation with her. As she went back to her duties he stole her burgundy handbag containing various items including, credit cards, less than £10, several keys and a make-up bag.

Devastated Canon, Revd Charles Stewart, said: "It's always unfortunate when someone who gives up so much of their time for a service becomes a victim of a crime. It's not the first time and I dare say it's the last.

"I do find it particularly sad that someone is actively targeting churches and those who volunteer and give their time so generously. It is a nasty crime."

Apart from the cleaner it is believed the suspect was the only other person in the church at the time. The suspect has been described as white, between 18 and 20 years old, of slight build, medium height with fair hair. He was wearing a dark baseball cap and was casually dressed.

Surrey Police say they have linked the incident to one where a rucksack was stolen around 11.30am on Thursday July 15 at St Erconwalds's Roman Catholic Church, in Esher Avenue, Walton.

Again, the small black bag bag, belonging to a women in her 40's, had been left at the back of the church while cleaning was in progress. It contained £300 in cash, personal documents and various keys.

Elmbridge inspector, Richard Haycock, said: "We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and not to leave their belongings unattended. Stealing from a church is incredibly cynical and I would appeal to anyone who knows who did this or with any information to come forward."

Anyone with any information should call on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference EL/10/5777 or EL/10/5538, or alternatively contact the independent charity Crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.