A THIEF who stole money from an elderly man in sheltered accommodation has been labelled 'despicable' by police.
An appeal for witnesses has been made by police after a pensioner, aged in his 70s, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Gordon Lodge, East Cowes, awoke to find a man stealing money from a tin.
It is alleged the thief escaped via a first floor balcony on to the grass below.
A charity box containing an unknown quantity of cash raised for the Prince's Trust was also taken during the burglary, sometime between 11pm on Saturday, May 19, and 2am on Sunday morning.
Investigating officer, detective constable Andrew Cooper of Isle of Wight CID, said: "We are looking to speak with three young men who were seen in the Victoria Grove area at the time.
"The targeting of an elderly man in sheltered accommodation is a particularly despicable act and we urge anyone with information to come forward."
The first man was described as white, aged around 20, very slim, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall with short dark hair.
He was carrying a bag over his shoulder and wearing a dark top and dark trousers.
The second man was described as white, aged around 20, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build and wearing a white hooded top and dark trousers.
The third man was described as white, aged around 20, 5ft 8ins tall of slim build.
Anyone with information can contact CID at Newport police station by phoning 101.
Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000.
Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.