Pensioner is mugged by bogus Good Samaritan

An 82-year-old pensioner has been left upset after he was mugged by a bogus Good Samaritan at Supervalu car park in Banbridge on Friday.
Police tapePolice tape
Police tape

The thief, approached the elderly man and pretended to help him with a shopping trolley, then stole cash and a wallet, before making off.

Police in Banbridge, are appealing for information following the incident which took place around 4.50pm, at Townsend Street.

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Police said the elderly gentleman had entered the car park and was approached by a male who engaged 
him in conversation.

It was only when the male left that the pensioner discovered that his wallet, containing a sum of cash, had been taken.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has information which could assist 
their investigation.

The man’s son aired his frustration about the mugging on Facebook describing the thief as a ‘scumbag.’

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He claimed that the young man had pretended to help his father with the shopping.

“This young lad was helping my dad with his shopping trolley and stole his purse,” he said.

Councillor Glenn Barr said he was disgusted at the incident. “I would completely condemn this incident and hopefully the man was not too badly shaken. I sympathise with the family at this time and would urge anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously at the car park, to 
contact the police.

“This is the first incident of this kind I had heard of and would strongly advise people to stay vigilant.

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“For someone to pretend to help another person, and then to take his belongings like that is just disgusting.”

Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is asked to ring the police at Banbridge on 101, quoting 
ref: 1171 17/07/15.