I don't feel safe on my own streets!

Bessie Crook, of Jackson Street, Chorley, was callously mugged on Railway Street in the town as she walked her pet dog Hatty.

Bessie, who has a heart condition, said: "I was very frightened. I was just out walking the dog and decided to take a short cut because it was cold.

"He just came out of nowhere. He snatched my bag and hurt my hand."

It is the second time in two years that Bessie been robbed.

She was attacked late last year outside her own home when someone snatched her shopping from her outside her home.

Bessie, who worked at Heath Charnock Hospital as a maid for 20 years and at Talbot Mill as a spinner for 20 years before that, said: "I have lived in Chorley all my life and I have seen a lot of changes.

"In the past you could go out and leave your door open. Now I am getting to be frightened.

"I am definitely not going to carry my bag when I go out any more."

The mugger was a 30-year-old male wearing a bobble hat. He stole a purple denim bag containing a bank book for drawing out money, a purse containing £5 and a rent book.

Her daughter, who reported the offence to the police and did not want to be named, said: "It has taken her all year to get over the fact that she was robbed just outside her own home last time.

"I am absolutely fuming. When I saw her just after it happened her pulse was racing. She could have a heart attack or a stroke.

"There is no deterrent to people like this. They will go to prison where they will learn even more about robbing people who are vulnerable. This man has robbed my 80-year-old mother of £5 - well all I can say is I hope he enjoys it!"

Detective superintendent Mick Dagger, of Chorley Police CID, said: "This was a despicable act on one of the more vulnerable people in our society.

"The old lady could have been quite badly hurt.

"If anyone witnessed this crime, or has any information, please call Chorley Police on 01257 269021."