A PENSIONER belted a thief with her walking stick after he demanded her handbag.
The 68-year-old was targeted in Bathgate, West Lothian at around 10.10pm on Wednesday.
As she walked along the town’s Old Well Road she was approached by a man who told her to hand over her bag.
The victim hit her attacker with her walking stick © Deadline News
But the plucky pensioner refused and hit the man in the chest.
As a result of the struggle, the victim fell to the ground and the man made off towards Blackburn Road with her bag.
The man is described as being between 28 and 40-years-old, and around 5ft 4ins with a slim build. He was wearing a balaclava and black jacket.
A police spokesman said: “The elderly victim showed great courage when she refused to hand over her bag. However, as a result of the struggle she fell to the ground and the suspect was able to take advantage.
“Anyone who was in the area and remembers seeing anything suspicious, either before or after the incident is asked to contact police immediately.”
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
