More on KentOnline
Home Folkestone News Article
A 90-year-old widow who lost £500 in a cruel distraction theft says the ordeal has made her wary of leaving the house alone.
Maria Lenko - who is almost completely blind - says she has been left “shocked and let down” following the “well-planned” con in Folkestone town centre.
The incident occurred shortly after she had withdrawn the cash from the Nationwide branch in Sandgate Road and placed it in a zipped-up pouch in her trolley.
As she left the bank she crossed the street and went into WH Smith, where she heard two male voices behind her that she recognised from being in Nationwide with her just moments before.
It was as she exited the shop that one of the men approached her and claimed she had dropped some coins on the ground.
"I told them I didn’t think I had, but they insisted,” the retired teacher explained.
“One of them bent down in front of me while my trolley was behind me. That must have been when they unzipped the pocket and took the money."
Mrs Lenko only discovered the cash - which she withdrew to cover household expenses - was missing after returning home from lunch with friends.
“When I went to get the money out of the trolley, it was gone,” she said.
“I felt so silly when I realised. It was so obvious to me then that they had tricked me.
"I’m almost completely blind and always wear a badge that says I’m visually impaired, and I had two more badges on my trolley.
“I think that, and my age, made me an easy target."
Mrs Lenko, who has lived in Folkestone for 10 years, says she places great value on her independence but the incident has made her “think twice” about doing things alone.
“My family now insists I never go to get money on my own again, which is upsetting because I don’t always want to rely on people,” she said.
The day after the theft on Thursday, January 9, Mrs Lenko’s carer and best friend, Mira Kurti, reported it to police.
But Mrs Lenko was later told in a letter - understood to have been sent prematurely - that no further action would be taken.
“They told me they couldn’t do anything because I didn’t have any witnesses,” she said.
“But I would have expected them to at least check the CCTV. Nationwide told me they can’t review it without a policeman present, so I feel let down.
“I just want to warn people. These men knew I had taken out a substantial sum of money.
“It was clever, really. I think they could do it to anyone, but they clearly saw I was vulnerable."
Ms Kurti, who has cared for Mrs Lenko for the past five years, described the pensioner as “being like a mum” to her.
The 51-year-old says the incident left her feeling upset and angry, as well as fearful that others could be targeted.
“Maria means to me everything. She is such an amazing woman,” she said.
“It makes me feel so sad that she has been targeted like this.
“Now the thieves know who she is it makes me feel worried that this could happen again.”
Despite her ordeal, Mrs Lenko is determined not to let the theft impact her day-to-day life.
"It’s a shock, yes. It makes you shake slightly. But I was brought up in the war, so you learn to get on with things,” she said.
Police have confirmed they are investigating the theft.
Kent Police Inspector Carlo Capozzi said: “Although the victim was not able to provide a visual description of the two men who spoke to her, and the exact location of where she was parted from the money is unclear, officers are proactively investigating the incident and want to ensure all potential lines of enquiry, including CCTV opportunities, are identified.
“Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the areas of Sandgate Road, West Terrace or the Leas, between midday and 1pm on Thursday, January 9, should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/5424/25.”
A spokesperson from Nationwide said: “We are aware of an incident near our Folkestone branch and we are supporting Kent Police with their investigation.”