Thief snatched purse from elderly woman after offering to clean her windows

The victim was said to be left 'distraught' by the callous theft.

Staffordshire Police has released CCTV of a man while two others have been charged with fraud after the victim's bank cards were used within an hour of being stolen.

The initial distraction burglary took place in Essington between 10.30am and 11.30am on Saturday, December 17.

A man approached the home looking for work and began to clean the windows after the victim agreed giving him a bucket and a set of clothes.

But the opportunist thief requested a change of clothes only to steal the woman's purse, containing her bank cards, while she was distracted.

The cards were used within an hour with money being withdrawn in High Street, Wednesfield for which two people have been arrested and charged with fraud.

They are Nigel Watt, aged 36, of Hart Road, Wednesfield and Colin Aulton, aged 37, of High Street, Wednesfield.

Both will appear before magistrates in Cannock on Wednesday, February 8.

While police have released images of the suspected burglar who was wearing dark shoes and trousers, a dark blue hat, and a grey or faded blue jumper which had a thick blue horizontal stripe and a thick white horizontal stripe.

The stills also show him with a black shoulder bag and riding a black bicycle.

The suspect is also thought to be from Wednesfield.

Detective Constable Jon Cotter said: "This incident has understandably been very upsetting for the elderly lady, she's been left distraught.

"Through our inquiries we were able to trace two men who have been charged with fraud (for use of the bank cards) and they are due to appear before magistrates at Cannock on Wednesday 8 February.

"Our investigation located CCTV of a suspect for the burglary and we want to hear from anyone who recognises him. We believe he is from the Wednesfield area.

"If you know who he is please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call Staffordshire Police on 101.