A vulnerable pensioner living with dementia has received a heartwarming act of kindness after his wallet was stolen during a lunch outing.

The Incident

The elderly man, who was enjoying lunch at Crook Wetherspoons with his carer, discovered his wallet was missing when it came time to do his shopping at Lidl. Initially believed to be lost, CCTV footage revealed that the wallet had been stolen by a woman who pretended to look at a menu on the next table before taking the wallet from the man’s scooter.

The stolen wallet contained £100, a bank card, and the man’s bus pass. The theft left the pensioner distressed, as he had planned to shop for groceries immediately after lunch.

Police Response and Arrest

After the theft was discovered, police issued a social media appeal to track down the suspect. Thanks to community support and swift investigation, a 65-year-old woman was located and arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud. She remains in custody while the investigation continues.

Community Kindness

Upon hearing about the man’s situation, PCSO Katie Gunby stepped in to help. She took a photo of the man’s shopping list and approached the manager of Lidl, who generously offered to provide the pensioner’s shopping free of charge.

This kind gesture brought immense relief to the elderly gentleman, and the police praised the community spirit displayed by both the store and the people of Crook.

Police Statement

In a statement, a spokesperson for the local police said:
“We are yet again bowled over by the kindness and generosity of the Crook community. The support shown to this vulnerable gentleman is truly heartwarming. Special thanks to PCSO Katie Gunby and the team at Lidl for making a difference in his day.”

Public Reaction

News of the incident and the subsequent act of kindness has been met with an outpouring of support on social media, with many praising the local community for their compassion. One user wrote:
“Absolutely lovely to see the community coming together to help. Well done to PCSO Katie Gunby and Lidl!”

Investigation Ongoing

Police have reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community and are continuing their investigation into the theft. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the police on 101.

This story serves as a reminder of how a small act of kindness can go a long way, especially for those who need it most.