A WOMAN in her eighties is “devastated” after being targeted by a gang of con artists.

The pensioner had been shopping in Basildon town centre when she went to the cashpoint at Santander, in East Walk.

It is believed the woman was being watched the whole time by the gang of con artists.

The pensioner then went to the 99p Store at the Eastgate Centre, where one of the gang began talking to the woman.

While she was distracted by the conversation, the other two members of the gang stole her handbag from her shopping trolley. The bag contained £500.

Police are hunting the trio, two men and one woman, and are appealing for the public’s help.

PC Andy Wells, of Basildon police, said: “The victim has been left devastated.

“With such a large amount of cash gone, she has been left so badly out of pocket just weeks before Christmas.

“She was so upset this has happened.

“We really want to find these thieves so we can get justice for her.

“It is despicable these people have preyed on the kindness of this elderly lady.

“They deserve the full force of the justice system to be brought down on them, so if you can help in any way, please call us.”

Witnesses to the incident, which happened at 1pm on Monday, November 28, can call PC Wells at Basildon police station on 101.