A Big Issue seller who swiped £50 from a blind woman's purse was arrested after shocked good Samaritans apprehended him.

Despite not being able to read, the woman would regularly give money to 22-year-old Big Issue seller Razvan Dumitru outside Morrison's in Sutton High Street.

The woman, 66, was feeling for a £1 coin to give the man when he took his opportunity to steal £50 from her purse at 10.30am on Saturday.

A mum who was passing with her two children saw what happened and told the victim her money had been stolen. The blind woman felt the front pocket of her purse and realised several £10 notes were missing.

A passing man saw the woman was distressed, found out what had happened and asked the Big Issue seller to give the money back.

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Morrison's in Sutton High Street

The thief denied taking the money and tried to leave but the man grabbed him and held him until security staff from Morrison's and police officers, including an off duty sergeant and special constable who were nearby, arrived.

A search revealed £50 in £10 notes hidden in the pages of a Big Issue magazine in Dumitru's bag and £23 in his pocket.

He was arrested on suspicion of theft and charged later that day. He admitted the offence in front of Croydon magistrates on Monday and has been remanded in custody to be sentenced at a later date.

The victim told police she was "over the moon" with the actions of shoppers and the police and said she would regularly give money to the Dumitru and recognised him by his distinctive sales calls but always politely declined the magazine as she could not read it.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Lee Blunden said: "At this time of festive cheer and goodwill, it’s hard to imagine a less charitable act than stealing from a blind person.

We would like to thank those members of the public who came forward to help this victim."

 

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