Pensioner robbed of Christmas savings in Small Heath

Dec 3 2010 by Brett Gibbons, Birmingham Mail

“I wish I had managed to put up more of a fight and given them a kicking.”

Mrs Laishley was shopping in Small Heath when she was distracted by one of the men and then struck by an accomplice who snatched her bag. Customers at a nearby garage were said to have stood and watched as the muggers made off with the bag, which also contained credit and loyalty cards.

Her glasses were also broken in the attack.

Good samaritan Ann Bishop, of Kings Heath, was driving past on her way to Birmingham City’s nearby St Andrew’s ground when the incident happened on Small Heath By-pass.

She said the muggers were cowards for attacking a defenceless pensioner.

“It’s hard to believe this sort of thing happens in broad daylight,” Mrs Bishop said.

“I stopped my car because no-one else seemed to be helping.

“I called the police but Mrs Laishley was only worried about losing her friends’ savings stamps which had been collected for Christmas.”

Rory Stoves, of Tesco, said it was possible the stamps could be traced from their serial numbers.

A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed officers were investigating. Anyone with information should call 0345 113 5000.