Winifred reward now four figures

May 1 2009 by Jenny Wood, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE PERTH pensioner mugged on her own doorstep for her messages nearly two weeks ago still remains in hospital in a serious condition.

The reward for finding those who carried out the daytime robbery on Winifred Pearson has soared to a four-figure sum.

An anonymous businessman and another person have added to the cash-pot started by members of the Tulloch Institute shocked by the attack on a long-time member of their club.

And police have vowed they will not rest until they find the attackers responsible for the robbery which left the 81-year-old from Tulloch so badly injured she has undergone two rounds of surgery.

On Sunday, April 19, Winifred had just reached the doorstep of her Primrose Crescent home when she was robbed of her shopping bag which contained just bread rolls, a newspaper and the few pounds in her purse. During the mugging Winifred was pushed to the ground and suffered a fractured hip and shoulder.

Perth Detective Sergeant Marshall McKay told the PA: “This was a despicable crime, a shocking crime. This sort of crime is not going to be tolerated in Tulloch or any other community.

“We have resources dedicated to the investigation and will not give up until we find those responsible.

“This was a woman who had lived in the area for over 60 years, who went out to her local shop and was on her way home when she was attacked and robbed of her bag.

“The local community is shocked by the attack, as are we.’’

The shopping bag stolen from Winifred still has not been found and police have now issued a picture of the item. It was a black, M&S branded, re-useable fabric bag.

DS McKay stressed: “If someone finds a bag looking like this please leave it sitting where it is and contact Tayside Police immediately.”

And for those who still have not spoken to police but may hold information vital to the inquiry, the detective appealed: “Please contact us.

“You may think the information you have is only a small piece and not worth contacting police, but please do.

“You will not be wasting our time and every piece of information counts to help lead us to those responsible for this attack.”

Do you recognise these people?

TWO Sundays ago, shortly before midday, Winifred was returning to her Primrose Crescent home from a trip to the local corner shop.

As she approached her front door Winifred was confronted by two men. One assaulted her, knocking her to the ground, then made off with the pensioner’s shopping bag.

The attackers are thought to be aged between 15 and 20. One is about 5’7”, of slim build, and wore a grey hooded top.

The other is around 5’6”, of slim build, with short black hair and was wearing a cream hooded top. Although he was carrying a skateboard, police officers do not want members of the community to concentrate only on skateboarders when thinking of the possible culprits.

Information should be passed on to Perth police by calling 0300 111 2222.