The octogenarian victim, who was travelling on a National Express coach which stopped at Winchester and Southampton, was carrying Thai baht and Australian dollars secured in a large black bag and placed in the hold of the coach. He discovered his holdall was missing when disembarking in Portsmouth.
Winchester MP Steve Brine commented: "This is a very unfortunate and sad incident. I would strongly urge anyone who was on the coach, or at any of the stops, to get in touch with the police, in case they may have witnessed anything which could aid the investigation."
The coach left Heathrow at 4.45pm, stopping in Winchester by the Guildhall at approximately 6.30pm before continuing towards Southampton and Portsmouth.
Police have alerted shopkeepers and bankers to the possibility that the thief may attempt to change a large amount of Australian dollars and Thai baht in the near future as a precaution.
Pictured; The National Express Coach stopped on the Broadway at 6.30pm
Can you help?
Police have appealed to anyone with relevant information to contact PC Waller at Portsmouth Central police station on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.