A BURGLAR stole a handbag belonging to an elderly woman who suffers from dementia during a break-in at a house in Westminster Road in Toothill on Saturday January 13.

The victim, who is in her 80s, was at home during the burglary but was unaware that the offender was in the house at the time of the crime.

The burglary occurred at some point between 5pm and 9pm.

It is believed that the suspect broke in through the front of the property and appears to have only taken a handbag from the lounge.

PC Simon Talbot, from North Swindon Community Policing Team, said: “The victim in this case is extremely vulnerable, but due to the nature of her dementia, she is not fully aware of the burglary or the fact that a stranger has broken into her house.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the burglary, or anyone who may have found the woman’s handbag, to get in touch with us.”

The stolen handbag is a black, Marks and Spencer leather-type bag with two compartments and a gold buckle over the top.

Anyone with information should contact PC Talbot by calling 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.