A CHEPSTOW store is raising money for a 79-year-old victim of a distraction theft.

Staff at the Original Factory Shop in Chepstow are appealing to generous shoppers after the crime was carried out in the store on 2nd October.

Mary Stevens, who will be 80 in December, was preyed upon by thieves who are said to have distracted her in the store, whilst stealing £200 of cash from her handbag.

Gwent Police officers are still appealing to speak to the people pictured right, who are wanted in connection with this offence, and and another just 15 minutes later at St Mary’s Collectables, in which a gold and diamond ladies bangle was stolen.

Original Factory Shop store manager Hayley Hammerton, pictured, said:

“We had to do something to help her, it was her money for the week. She couldn’t even afford her groceries without it.”

The collection will be in store for another week with the aim of reimbursing Mrs Stevens with her lost £200.

Police are still appealing for information. If you can help with their enquiries, call 101 quoting reference number 142 02/10/15 for the theft in the Original Factory Shop, and 207 02/10/15 for the St Mary’s Collectables theft.