By Dave Lord

A PAIR of Perthshire pensioners have vowed to track down the “hero” who stopped a heartless thief in his tracks.

The married couple were out Christmas shopping in Perth when an opportunist criminal swooped, snatching the elderly woman’s handbag before running off.

Both the victim and her husband were badly shaken but a young passer-by gave chase and managed to recover the bag from the thief.

He then returned it to the grateful pensioners—who were too shocked to “properly” thank their knight in shining armour.

The pair are desperate to meet up with the man who saved them from a miserable Christmas and are appealing to Courier readers for assistance.

“My wife and I were very upset at the time and it only later dawned on us we had not even inquired who he was or offered a reward,” the victim’s husband said.

“We will look for this hero in Perth and hope to be able to thank him properly.”

The pensioners yesterday relived their ordeal, paying tribute to the bravery of the young man who intervened.

The incident occurred at around 6.20pm last Thursday, close to Matalan car park on Canal Street.

“My wife and I are both old aged pensioners and were returning to our car when a tall male dressed in dark clothing came out of the darkness from behind and snatched my wife’s handbag,” the pensioner said.

“He then ran back into Canal Street.

“I gave chase shouting ‘stop that man, stop him’ as the thief ran into the lane adjacent to the multi-storey car park.

“As he ran away he almost collided with a young man in his early 20s.

“On hearing my shout he dropped his own messages and gave chase, rapidly gaining on the thief,” the pensioner continued.

“The thief looked over his shoulder and—realising he was going to be caught—threw the handbag down on to the pavement.

“Our hero picked up the bag and gave it to me.”

The pensioner quickly thanked the man—but did not get the hero’s details.

“I thanked him most profusely and explained exactly what had happened,” he said.

“The young man walked back to where my very shaken and upset wife was waiting.

“He asked her if she was OK and she thanked him and told him how grateful she was.

“The young man said as long as you are OK I will be on my way and left.”

It was only after he left the pensioners realised they had not offered any reward.

If anybody knows who the “hero” is they can contact The Courier on 01738 622273 or Email perth@ dcthomson.co.uk and we will pass on their details to the grateful couple.