A 49-YEAR_OLD man with learning difficulties was pickpocketed by a "despicable" thief on a canal towpath in Burnley.
The victim was watching workmen demolish a factory by the fire station in Ormerod Road when a man started a conversion with him.
The offender then reached in to his pocket, stealing a wallet containing personal cards and £20 cash.
Police today appealed for two men they believe may have walked past during the incident to come forward.
The theft happened between 3pm and 4.15pm on Thursday.
Detective Inspector Sam Birtwell, of Burnley CID, said the victim was targeted because of his learning difficulties: "This is what makes it so despicable."
The offender was Asian, middle aged, with dark brown curly hair and a fat face.
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