Black Country shopping centre manager slams 'despicable' thief
A shopping centre manager in the Black Country has slammed a 'despicable' thief who stole cash from a woman who had collapsed as a result of a seizure.
Kelley Dyas, manager of the Ryemarket in Stourbridge, provided assurances that opportunist thefts were not an 'every day occurrence' at the centre after a callous crook removed £60 from the handbag of a 48-year-old woman as she lay on the floor receiving first aid.
She said: "This was a despicable act and we are saddened that something like this occurred in The Ryemarket.
"One member of our security team was first on the scene to help and give first aid.
"We have a close working relationship with the Stourbridge Neighbourhood Policing team and are always in contact with them.
"This is not an every day occurrence and we would like to reassure shoppers that we have a member of our security team on duty every day.
"We would ask our shoppers to get in touch with the police immediately if they have any information regarding the incident on April 7."
While passers-by rushed to comfort the woman and give first aid, police believe one woman took advantage to reach into her handbag, before making an escape.
Officers had issued an image of the suspect but have since eliminated them from enquiries.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town, said the perpetrator of the crime needs to be found 'as quickly as possible'.
He said: "This is a case of someone stooping to the lowest level possible in order to get some money and I think it is disgusting.
"The victim was in a critical state and you just wonder how this person would feel if they had taken the money and then found out that she had died."
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the police on 101.
