Gosport Pensioner’s Stolen Cash Replaced Within Three Hours After Viral Appeal
Generous locals have shown true Christmas spirit by replacing stolen pensioner cash just three hours after an urgent appeal went live. The heartwarming response followed a shocking robbery in Gosport involving a vulnerable former serviceman.
Scumbag Couple Snatch Pensioner’s Christmas Money
The sickening theft happened on Monday afternoon, December 17, shortly after the pensioner withdrew money from the HSBC in Gosport. A nasty couple seized the cash as he walked away from the bank, intending to pay bills and buy presents for his family.
Police have released CCTV images of the suspects and urged anyone with information to come forward. The pair are described as speaking with foreign accents, possibly European. The woman wore a white wool hat and beige UGG-style boots, while the man was seen in a black baseball cap and skinny jeans.
Community Rallies to Right the Wrong
Kerry Snuggs from nearby Titchfield quickly set up a GoFundMe page to raise the stolen amount. Incredibly, 109 kind donors smashed the target by 9:30pm the same evening.
“Acts of Kindness aims to help those in need. The appeal went out at 7pm and by 9:30pm the money was raised. The Christmas spirit shown by the community has been absolutely incredible,” Kerry said from her Titchfield home.
“The gentleman will be informed tomorrow by the investigating officer and I will be present. The funds will be transferred directly to him. Anything extra raised will go to a charity he nominates. The Co-Op in Rowner has also put together a hamper for him.”
Police Hunt Couple Behind Heartless Crime
PC Kerri Harris commented on the case: “This was an absolutely despicable incident where two people deliberately targeted a vulnerable elderly man. He withdrew money to pay monthly bills and for Christmas shopping. Now he’s left with nothing.”
The theft took place between 10:40am and 11am in South Cross Street, Gosport. Police urge anyone with information to contact PC Harris or PC Pamela Collier at Gosport police station on 101.
How You Can Help
- View the GoFundMe appeal and consider donating.
- Report any info about the suspects to the police.
The community’s rapid response proves goodwill is alive and well in Gosport this Christmas.
