A precious family heirloom has been snatched from a 98-year-old woman in an act of cruel distraction theft.
The nonagenarian fell victim to thieves who snatched the treasured heirloom from her wrist in Manchester City Centre last Saturday afternoon.
The elderly victim was taking a rest on her walking frame along Dale Street at approximately 3:30pm when two women approached her.
The pair engaged her in conversation as a distraction technique while removing the golden bracelet from her wrist.
Greater Manchester Police have described the stolen item as a “priceless family heirloom” that had been passed down to the pensioner from her mother.
The force has launched an appeal to recover the precious piece of jewellery.
The distinctive bracelet features both gold and green colouring and police have released a photograph to assist in locating it.
Officers are also investigating a separate incident that occurred on the same Saturday, when two women targeted another victim on Oxford Street in the city centre.
Greater Manchester Police has issued an image of the bracelet as they ask the public for help in finding it
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GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE
In that case, one suspect attempted to remove rings from the woman’s fingers while her accomplice served as a lookout.
Following initial enquiries into the Dale Street theft, detectives have taken three women into custody.
The suspects, aged 19, 33 and 35, were arrested in connection with the incident, though the cherished bracelet remains unaccounted for.
Sefora Mazarache, 19, of Jessop Street, Manchester has been charged with robbery, attempt robbery, theft from person and attempt theft from person.
The incident took place on Dale Street in Manchester
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Geta Schian, 33, of Dukinfield Road, Hyde has been charged with robbery, theft from person and attempt theft from person.
Geneza Dumitru, 35, of Dukinfield Road, Hyde has been charged with theft from person and attempt theft from person.
Greater Manchester Police are urging anyone who recognises the bracelet, has purchased it, or been offered it for sale to come forward.
The force stated: “Anyone who recognises it, has been sold the bracelet, or otherwise offered it, is urged to get in touch.”
Members of the public with information can reach officers by calling 101 or using the live chat function on gmp.police.uk, citing crime reference number CRI/06A2/0000963/26.
Those wishing to provide details anonymously may contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.