AT least, the reader whose pension book and wallet were stolen (Letters, May 8) had the pension book returned, though not the wallet and cash.

I, too, had my pension book, plus £60, stolen the same week even though it was secure, safely zipped up in my shopping bag. When I got over the shock, I reported the loss immediately and a new pension book was issued a few days later. The loss of the pension book affected me more than the cash. I worked from being 16 to retirement age without a break and then did another nine years part-time.

That I worked and paid stamps all those years, so that someone could come along and take it from me - especially as I am now 78 and seriously disabled - made me disgusted.

I would gladly send the thief to jail. I hope he enjoyed spending it as much as I had struggled to earn it.

Name and address received

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