76779-03PENSIONERS are being warned not to carry large quantities of cash after a man in his 70s was robbed of £300.

Armed police were called after the man was robbed in daylight in West Swindon.

The man is believed to have withdrawn the cash from the post office near Asda in the West Swindon Centre.

He was robbed as he walked along an underpass linking Edington Close, Toothill and the Link Centre on Friday.

Inspector Paul Hawkins, of Swindon police, said: "Elderly people need to be vigilant, and really shouldn't be carrying such large amounts of cash. They should be careful when withdrawing cash from places like post offices because they could be followed."

He added that some elderly people are reluctant to open bank accounts.

"Sometimes they keep large quantities of cash at home, which can be dangerous as there are bogus callers around," he said.

"They shouldn't keep it at home, if they really don't want to put it in the bank, ask family members to look after some."

The Advertiser has recently reported how handbag thefts are increasing in the town centre. Shoppers are being warned to take more care.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to Friday's robbery, which happened at 11.45am.

Shoppers were stunned when armed police descended on the area around the subway. The force helicopter was scrambled to help the hunt for the attacker.

Although badly shaken, the victim was otherwise unharmed. His wallet was later recovered, minus the cash.

A 22-year-old man was arrested from a house just yards from the scene soon after the incident.

He has been released on police bail while further inquiries are carried out. Officers are studying CCTV footage taken from shops around Asda in the hope of identifying anyone following the victim into the post office.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity should call Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Tamash Lal