Police appeal after thief ties up 91-year-old woman and steals jewellery

Police are appealing for information about an incident where a pensioner was tied up in her own home.

Sarah Shaffi Friday, September 7, 2012
11:50 AM

A 91-year-old woman was tied up with a jumper in her Chelsea home by a man who stole her jewellery.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

The woman was treated in hospital for minor injuries to her face, arms and ribs in the incident, but police are concerned that the outcome for the vulnerable elderly woman could have been much worse.

On Saturday, August 25 at around 12.15am the viction was at her home in Elystan Place, Chelsea, when she was awoken by an intruder.

She was pulled from her bed and tied up, and her face covered by the suspect. He then went through her home, stealing a number of items. The suspect left the pensioner tied up and made his escape with her jewellery.

After several hours of distress, the victim managed to untie herself and raise the alarm. Police and the London Ambulance Service attended and she was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, where she remained for several more hours, being treated for her injuries.

DC Clare Chattaway from Kensington Chelsea Robbery Squad said “This was a vulnerable 91 year old woman being awoken in the middle of the night in her own home. Elderly people suffer shock like everyone else, and this could have been much worse than cuts and bruises.

“Whilst we reiterate safety advice about keeping doors locked and windows closed, a door left ajar in hot weather is not an open invitation to anyone to come in under any circumstance. The elderly have a right to feel safe in their own home. While the suspect may have been an opportunist burglar, we need to find him and ensure this does not happen to anyone else.”

The suspect is described as a black male with a smooth shaven head and aged approximately 25, 5ft 9ins and wearing blue jeans and a dark-coloured hoody. He has a London accent. Police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

DCI Rhys Willis added: “Instances like this are extremely rare. We are meeting with members of the community and working with the local authority to reduce burglary in Kensington and Chelsea. We have officers from the local Safer Neighbourhoods team, who are increasing their patrols in this ward.”

Anyone with information should call Kensington and Chelsea Police on 020 8246 0231 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.