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January 27, 2004

Deaf woman, 86, robbed

From: Norfolk Eastern Daily Press - Jan 27, 2004

An 86-year-old woman who is deaf and has speech problems was robbed at her Norwich home yesterday.

She went to answer the door in the Weston Road area, carrying her purse as she thought it was the paperboy calling. But when she opened it, she did not recognise the man on the doorstep.

She tried to tell him she was deaf and the man indicated that he was also deaf before snatching the purse from her hand and running off.

The offender is white, aged 25 to 30, 5ft 5in to 5ft 7in and slim.

He had collar-length, straight, greasy black hair.

He was clean-shaven but had a thin face that appeared "dirty" and was drawn at the cheeks.

He also had at least two teeth missing from the right side of his upper jaw. He was wearing a dark, round-necked jumper and dark trousers.

Police spokeswoman Nina Goad said: "The victim has been left very scared by the theft and it is awful that an elderly lady should feel afraid in her own home.

"The description of the offender is fairly distinctive so we are hoping someone may be able to tell us who he is."

Anyone with information should call PC Sarah Hutchinson on 01953 424242 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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