Sneak thief grabs widow’s £20,000 savings in Linton Street

Published: 30 July, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

AN ELDERLY widow was in a state of shock this week after thieves tricked their way into her Islington home and stole more than £20,000 life savings.

The 74-year-old pensioner, who has asked not to be named, was returning home on July 6 when she was approached by a man claiming to be from a water firm. He said there was a leak at her home in Linton Street, off New North Road, blocked her into the kitchen with her shopping trolley and is believed to have let in an accomplice before fleeing. 

The victim said: “They were so quick it must have been planned. We kept our money in the bedroom but when I looked it had gone. He even took my chicken dinner.”

The pensioner, who lost her husband four years ago, said at least £20,000 had been taken as well as a Winston Churchill crown coin worth £50 and medals belonging to her husband. She said: “I can’t believe how someone could do it and how I could have let them do it.” 

Investigating officer PC Darryl Cavanagh said: “This callous criminal, not content with stealing over £20,000, went on to steal the victim’s frozen dinner.” 

Anyone with information should call the Burglary Squad on 020 7421 0172.