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Moped thief steals cash from pensioner outside Morrison's in Wincheap, Canterbury

A 70-year-old has been left "shaking like a leaf" after a moped-riding thief snatched his pension outside a supermarket.

Vincent House had just withdrawn his pension from a cash point at Morrison's in Wincheap, Canterbury, this morning when he was approached by a man asking for change for a £20 note.

But Mr House, a former carpenter from Chartham, was left reeling when the man swiped £100 from his hands before fleeing on a red moped.

Vincent House. Pic: Katie Louise House (13831858)
Vincent House. Pic: Katie Louise House (13831858)

His granddaughter Katie Louise, 22, said: "The man was very nasty.

"My grandad thought he was going to get stabbed when the man reached inside his jacket pocket. He didn't know what was going to happen next.

"Then the man ran to his moped laughing and swearing at my grandad, and sped off in the direction of Boots and then out on the main road again."

Ms House says her grandad had been relying on the cash to support him until his next pension payment is made.

"That money is his living money, so now he has no money until next month," she said.

Mr House was targeted outside Morrison's in Wincheap, Canterbury. Pic: Google Street View (13833008)
Mr House was targeted outside Morrison's in Wincheap, Canterbury. Pic: Google Street View (13833008)

"He's worked hard all his life, and for something like this to happen to him is beyond my mind. It's disgusting."

Mr House, who has had two hip replacements and walks with a stick, has been left physically shaken by the ordeal.

"He's shaking like a leaf and is now telling my mum he doesn't feel safe," said Ms House. "He is a very caring man and wouldn't hurt a fly.

"This is so, so wrong."

Ms House has now started an online fundraiser - through which she hopes to generate £100 to replace her grandad's stolen money.

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which happened at the Ten Perch Road supermarket at about 10.15am today.

A spokesman said: "The suspect is thought to be a man in his 30s with dark hair and was wearing a blue jacket. He left the scene on a motorised scooter."

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 15-0413.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

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