A KIND-HEARTED superstore security guard took it upon himself to collect some cash for a pensioner who had her purse stolen by a callous thief.

Carol Mackie, a resident of Sible Hedingham, was shopping at Tesco Marks Farm, Braintree, last Thursday between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

When she arrived at the til she realised that her purse was not in her handbag, leaving her distraught.

Mrs Mackie, 71, said: “The shop wasn’t really full at all so I have no idea what happened. I don’t remember anybody standing beside me.

“They took my credit card and went and withdrew £500 from a cash point at the garage nearby.”

The thief also stole £200 in cash from the purse and tried to use the card again at a Tesco store in Sudbury.

Security guard Zee, as he asked to be referred to, was off duty at the time but said he had tears in his eyes when Mrs Mackie spoke to him after the incident about what had happened.

He said: “It broke my heart. The same thing happened to my late wife and I know how it affected her.

“I have worked for the last couple of days and I have managed to save some cash.

“It is a personal thing for me now. I have collected £70.

“We obviously get to know our customers because some of them come in regularly and they are lovely people.”

Zee has also managed to secure donations of vouchers from both Tesco and Costa which he presented to Mrs Mackie when they were reunited on Thursday.

He has also been working with the police to help with their investigation.

Mrs Mackie wanted to warn others to be careful with their bags in large stores, even if you don’t believe there is a possibility somebody could take it without you noticing.

She said: “I have been really depressed about the whole thing since it happened.

“You don’t expect things like this to take place.

“It is going to take me a while to get back to normal but I have got to get on with things.

"He had done so much to help me since."

Zee said he has seen an increase in similar crimes recently and told shoppers to be extra careful with things like handbags, ensuring they are shut when not in use, kept as close to your person as possible and not left unattended at any time.

A spokesman for Tesco said: “Our colleagues were very sorry to hear about this theft and wanted to do what they could to help.

"As well as raise money through a collection, we have also donated some Tesco vouchers which we hope will help Mrs Mackie.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact Essex Police on 101.