Victim had just got off bus in Raynes Park
Police are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner had her gold chain pulled off her neck just after she got off a bus in Raynes Park.
She had boarded the 57 bus outside Sainsbury's in Tooting Broadway at 1.30pm on Monday November 15.
Three black male youths aged about 18-20 also got on the bus. They had some form of dispute with the bus driver, before being allowed to board the bus.
They all remained on the bus as it drove through Colliers Wood, South Wimbledon and Wimbledon Chase before the 71-year-old woman got off just after Raynes Park train station.
At about 2pm, as she crossed West Barnes Lane, she was suddenly confronted by the same three youths who were on the bus. One spoke to her briefly - she was then pushed to the ground and a gold chain round her neck was pulled off. The suspects ran off.
Police were called and quickly attended, with an ambulance also attending. The victim received immediate medical attention and was taken to hospital. Police said she is making a good recovery at home and is in good spirits.
Investigating officer, PC Rebecca Phillips, Merton Burglary and Robbery Team, said: "We are really keen to arrest the cowards who robbed this elderly woman. Fortunately she wasn’t badly injured and this kind of crime is still rare, but we would really like to hear from anyone who may have been travelling on the 57 bus that day, or who may have seen this incident that Monday afternoon."
If you have any information, call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111 or contact the Merton Burglary and Robbery Team via 0300 123 1212.
November 16, 2010