Jean Palmer (right) with Kathy Stangaard who was also targeted
A DISTRAUGHT woman experienced the worst shock of her life' when money for her partner's funeral was stolen from inside a church.
More than £200 cash and credit cards were taken from the handbag of Jean Palmer at Christchurch Hall in Wanstead on Friday evening - money which she purposely withdrew to pay for her companion's farewell just two days earlier.
The pensioner told the Guardian how she hid her bag away in a corner of the hall at around 8.30pm as she helped prepare for the Leyton and Wanstead Flower Club Spring show the next day.
She said: "It's very unfortunate and I would not have thought it would happen in Wanstead. They must have been very bold to come in there as they must have searched my handbag with lots of people nearby.
"It was the worst shock of my life and made it the worst week after my dear friend's funeral. They took the money but not a 50 euro note and some letters so I don't think it was some sneak-thief."
For the last five years Ms Palmer cared for her 83-year-old friend Ronald Rumsey at his house in Brownlea Gardens, Goodmayes, after he developed Alzheimer's before his death from pneumonia.
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Her friend and mother-of-two Kathy Stangaard also had her handbag rifled through while they were preparing floral displays for the show at the church in Wanstead Place.
She said: "It was quite upsetting as you don't really expect it here. It is just one of those things but was very upsetting and distressing for Jean at this time.
"I lost some cash, bank cards and make-up too but strangely they left my mobile phone - probably because it was an old model.
"It was a great trouble for us both to cancel all our cards and call the police but they said as there are no witnesses or suspects there is not much to go on."
Sergeant Kate O'Riordan of Snaresbrook ward Safer Neighbourhood Team warned that it was important to be vigilant at all times.
She added: "It's a terrible thing to happen and I would encourage anyone who knows anything to come forward.
"But people must not leave their bags unattended at any time unless they are in a locked room. That is the crime prevention message which we have to hammer home.
"It's a horrible way to live but that's where we are at the moment."
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