A THIEF posing as a charity worker stole an elderly woman's Rolex in a Waitrose car park.

Police were called to the car park behind East Grinstead Waitrose yesterday after an elderly woman had her luxury watch stolen between 11 and 11.30am.

The victim was putting shopping in her car when she was approached by a woman who said she was a charity worker.

The victim agreed to make a small donation to the charity. The thief then tried to hug her. 

However, the heartless thief swiped the watch from the victim’s wrist instead.

The suspect is a white woman, 18 to 20 years old, about 5ft 3in tall, of "proportionate build" and with brown hair.

She was wearing a white coat zipped right up to the top with a hood up, and she was holding a clipboard.

Sussex Police said: "The theft took place while the car park was very busy, and officers investigating the matter are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time.

"They would also particularly like to speak to a woman who spoke to the victim in the car park after the theft.

"If anyone has any relevant CCTV or dash cam footage from the area, or any information which they believe could help the investigation, please get in touch.

"Information can be passed to police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 561 of 04/06. Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."