A CALLOUS thief stole a pensioner’s treasured necklace from around her neck while giving her a “thank you” hug.

The 79-year-old woman was out walking her dog in Lifstan Way, Southend, on Friday when a car pulled up beside her.

A woman in the car asked the pensioner for directions to the hospital, getting out of the car when she did so.

The woman then thanked the pensioner and gave her a hug, sneakily undoing and stealing the necklace she was wearing in the process.

It wasn’t until the victim was looking at herself in the mirror later on did she realise the necklace, estimated to be worth around £880, was gone.

The woman has been left shaken by the incident and her family have issued a warning to others in the area.

Her daughter, 46, said: “It’s absolutely disgusting, I don’t know how some people sleep at night.

“They were clearly targeting the elderly people in the area and knew exactly what they were doing.

“The woman pulled out a necklace from her bra when she was thanking my mother, clearly using it to distract her.

“The necklace that was stolen is of huge sentimental value to my mother and she’s devastated.”

The daughter added: “I just want to get something out there to warn others of these people, they’ll be targeting others next and we don’t want that to happen.

“My mum is shaken, but she said that she will not let them win and she’ll still be going out to walk her dog. She’s been very brave.”

Essex Police are investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: “We received a report of a theft in Lifstan Way, Southend which took place at around midday on Friday.

“The woman in question is described as 5ft 2ins tall, long dark hair, and blue clothing.”

Call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/110621/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.