THIS is addressed to the heartless thief who stole my purse on Saturday, October 16, while I was shopping in Accrington town centre.

It contained money with which I was about to buy a suit and many items of great sentimental value which belonged to my late husband and parents.

You have made me a very unhappy lady, but why should you concern yourself - you've got away with it and are probably laughing your socks off.

If you were in Saudi Arabia and were caught, you would have your hands cut off. It's a pity it doesn't apply here!

Who says crime doesn't pay? I think it does - for thieves like you.

E KNOWLES (Mrs) (full address received).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.