Pensioner gifted food shop after wallet stolen

A little kindness can go a long way.

Yesterday officers were called after a vulnerable pensioner ‘lost’ his wallet while enjoying lunch at Crook Wetherspoons with his carer.

The gentleman, who lives with dementia, was due to do his shopping in Lidl after lunch but was unable to because he had no money, causing him distress.

CCTV from the pub was viewed and it emerged that the man had not dropped his wallet but it had in fact been stolen by a woman who pretended to look at a menu on the next table before swiping the wallet from the man’s scooter.

A total of £100 was taken along with his bank card and bus pass.

A social media appeal was issued and a 65-year-old woman was subsequently tracked down and arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud.

She remains in custody today and an investigation is ongoing.

On hearing about the man’s shopping, PCSO Katie Gunby took a picture of his shopping list and reached out to the manager of Lidl who kindly offered to provide his shopping free of charge.

This brought huge relief to the gentleman and we are yet again bowled over by the kindness and generosity of Crook community.