I’M often impressed by the kindness of Headington people as I trundle my walking frame through the streets.

Staff in the shops are especially helpful to elderly and disabled customers.

Sadly, among the passers-by are some very clever criminals on the lookout for easy victims.

They use various con tricks and act with amazing speed.

However, we are under the protection of the Thames Valley Police.

I’ve been targeted three times in Headington. In a favourite small shop, I was close to my walking frame as I reached up to take an item on display, scarcely noticing the two women who pushed against me as if I were in their way.

Attached to my walker, almost under my nose, was a securely zipped-up case containing my handbag, mobile phone, money, valuables and emergency personal and medical information.

Taking my purchase to the till, I found the zips undone and all my possessions gone.

I explained to the manageress my suspicions that the two women had stolen my belongings, but had left pronto.

In a long talk with the police, I was given much sympathy, advice, questions, and a victim-support officer came on the line.

I gave them details of what I believed had happened and was very clear that the shop had CCTV.

They promised to visit the shop that day.

The manageress told me that she went through the CCTV frame by frame.

It shows me reaching up for my purchases, while two young women, whose faces are clear to see, are unzipping my case, removing the contents and walking off.

That’s nearly two weeks ago, but as yet no police officer has called at the shop.

Accepting the loss of my valuables, feeling vulnerable from the personal information they now have, my one desire is for the criminals to be caught before others get mugged.

But such shocking ineptitude of Thames Valley Police leaves me wondering whose side they’re on.

DOROTHY BIRTLES

Headington

Oxford