Gosport Pensioner’s Stolen Cash Replaced in Just Three Hours After Viral Appeal
A kind-hearted community stepped up fast after a shocking theft left a Gosport pensioner penniless – replacing his stolen cash in under three hours.
Scumbag Couple Steal Pensioner’s Christmas Cash
On Monday afternoon, December 17, a cruel couple targeted a vulnerable former serviceman outside the HSBC bank in Gosport. CCTV shows the pair snatching cash as he walked away, moments after withdrawing money to pay bills and buy Christmas gifts for his family.
Police released images of the suspects, described as a man and woman with European accents. The woman is slim, about 5ft 2ins, wearing a white wool hat and beige UGG-style boots. The man is taller, around 6ft, in a black baseball cap and skinny jeans.
Community Rallies: Money Raised in a Flash
Kerry Snuggs from Titchfield launched a GoFundMe appeal that quickly blew up on social media. Within three hours of going live at 7pm, 109 generous donors had wiped out the target amount.
“The Christmas spirit shown by the community has been absolutely incredible,” said Kerry. “The gentleman will be informed tomorrow by the investigating officer, and I’ll be there when they deliver the good news. Any extra funds raised will go to his chosen charity.”
The Co-Op in Rowner also donated a Christmas hamper for the pensioner.
Police Hunt Despicable Thieves
PC Kerri Harris, investigating the cold-hearted crime, slammed the attackers: “This was an absolutely despicable incident where two people deliberately targeted a vulnerable elderly man. He withdrew money for essentials and Christmas shopping and ended up with nothing.”
The robbery happened between 10:40am and 11am on South Cross Street. Police urge anyone with information to contact PCs Harris or Collier at Gosport police station on 101.
Donate to the fundraiser here: gofundme.com/elderly-gent-who-had-money-stolen
