More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A woman is furious after having her wallet stolen while shopping in Maidstone Market at Lockmeadow.
Polish-born Ania Kasprzak thought she was doing a favour when an elderly lady next to her had trouble reaching for a shoe on a high shelf, but all was not as it seemed.
While she turned to help her, the woman's friends took her wallet from her shopping bag, which was resting in a pushchair she uses as a trolley.
Ms Kasprzak, 54, has lived in Maidstone for 15 years with her Scottish partner and is a regular shopper at the market and an occasional trader there.
She said: "It's so distressing. It's your life in your wallet. It had by Polish ID card, which will be a real hassle to renew, as well as all my credit cards, which I now have to contact the banks about."
Ms Kasprzak, from Union Street, has some knowledge of East European languages and believes the group of four women were Romanian.
She said: "I love Maidstone Market normally. Such nice people and a good friendly atmosphere."
"I'm so angry!"
The thieves opened her bag and removed the wallet that had been attached to the bag by a safety strap.
Ms Kasprzak makes glass angels for charity which she occasionally sells at the market. She has only recently recovered from breast cancer.
She said: "I'm so angry!"
The theft occurred between 11.30am and 11.45am on Saturday, July 24.
Inspector Steve Kent of Maidstone’s Community Safety Unit said: "While these offences are not common in this town, and our local officers are always alert for suspicious activity, I would remind shoppers to be careful when out and about to avoid becoming victim to opportunist thieves.
"My advice is to never leave handbags unattended on top of prams, shopping trolleys, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Always keep them zipped up and where you can see them."
Anyone with information that may assist police investigate is urged to call police on 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/131948.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
