Police arrest man after elderly woman targeted in Cumbernauld supermarket

The supermarket called in officers last Wednesday around 1.30pm after fast moving security guards managed to intevene.

They had succeeded in retrieving the handbag but the 57-year-old man, who is alleged to have stolen it, managed to escape through the rear doors of the superstore.

In-store CCTV was scrutinised and this enabled the man to be traced by the following day.

He was then arrested for theft and held in custody to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Meanwhile, police have told shoppers to be on their guard while doing their rounds for their groceries – in what is often a very busy environment with a good few distractions.

Communities Inspector Neil Mac Leod said: “Whilst the outcome in this instance is a positive one to the effect that there has been an arrest, this unfortunately needs to act as a reminder at the importance of personal security when within supermarkets or shopping centres.

“There is always a temptation to leave personal belongings within trolleys.

“However, the unfortunate reality is that there are individuals who will seize on this opportunity and commit theft with no regard to the impact it has on the victim.”

And the inspector also praised the staff who had helped to turn the situation around during this distressing incident for the pensioner .

He added: “The security at Asda are to be commended for their timely intervention.

“This ensured our victim was reunited with her property.”