A REMORSEFUL thief has been given a conditional caution after handing himself in to police for stealing cash from a 71-year-old woman on a Metro train.

The 20-year-old, who has apologised and repaid the money he stole, came forward following publicity surrounding the theft on Monday November 14.

The theft took place as the victim was travelling on the Metro with a friend from Pallion to Park Lane, in Sunderland.

When she reached her destination, she accidentally left her handbag on the seat. Two men handed Metro staff the handbag, which was missing about £375. The woman had been saving to buy Christmas presents for her family.

British Transport Police Investigating officer, PC Ian Hancox, said: “Following the second media appeal in relation to this theft, a man was interviewed and subsequently cautioned for this offence.

“I hope that this offers some form of closure to the victim, who also had her money returned to her along with a letter of apology from the offender.

“The Metro is a very safe way to travel around the Tyne and Wear area. More than 100,000 passenger journeys are made on the Metro every day and incidents like this are very rare.

“We have a lot of crime prevention advice that we offer to the public, including for example using a bag with a shoulder strap that means you can carry your bag across your body and keep it on your lap while seated on the train. This way, there’s no risk of leaving it behind.

He added: “You can also avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you by using a debit card or cash card, which you can ask your bank for if you don’t already have one.

“I am pleased that the offender in this case has identified himself, accepted responsibility for his actions and shown full remorse.”