10:54am Tuesday 9th March 2010
A YOUNG thief, who preyed on an 88-year-old woman after claiming he was going on a sponsored run, is being hunted by police.
Police said the youth, aged 15 to 19, called at her home in Bradshaw Street, Nelson, between 11am and noon on Friday, asking for sponsorship.
But when he asked for a glass of water, which she went inside to fetch, he rifled in her handbag and stole her purse, containing £40.
The youth is said to have fair hair and a fresh complexion, and was wearing casual clothing.
Sgt Damian Pemberton said house-to-house inquiries were being carried out in the area and appealed for people to be vigilant if approached by the teenager.
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