Heartless thief offers to help 72-year-old driver then steals her car

A heartless thief stole an OAP’s car from a food shop’s car park after pretending he was concerned there was something wrong with her vehicle.

The conman told the 72-year-old woman there was something leaking from her car.

As he she went to investigate, the thief jumped into the Ford Focus, started the engine and drove off, even clipping the woman’s knee as she tried to foil his getaway.

Police have now released images of the distressing incident which happened in the Whole Foods car park in Heathfield, East Sussex.

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As well as the car, the thief – described as stocky, aged around 45 and with stubble – stole her handbag containing house keys, cash and a credit card.

“Thankfully the victim is physically fine after the incident but is still extremely shaken. This is a concerning incident but we are hoping someone might have seen the man responsible for the theft,” said PC Catherine Maddock, of Sussex Police.

The car was recovered five days later about seven miles near Hailsham.

The incident happened at around 10.30am on November 16.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101.