Hunt for man, in 30s, who stole One Direction goodies from girl, 10, in Romford Argos
The girl had her One Direction DVD stolen as well as other goodies bought with Christmas cash. Picture: PA - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images
A man in his 30s left a 10-year-old girl in tears when he stole a bag of One Direction goodies she had bought with her Christmas money.
Argos said some events in their store were beyond their control. Picture: PA - Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images
Kaitlyn Jeffery was shopping with father Andy in the Boxing Day sales when a man “pushed into her” in Argos, Gallows Corner Retail Park.
As she ran to her father, her Tesco carrier bag containing £30 worth of items – including a jigsaw puzzle and a One Direction DVD – was stolen.
Mr Jeffery, 42, of Harold Hill, realised what had happened and alerted store staff, who called the police.
He said: “How callous is this man, stealing from a 10-year-old girl?
“Kaitlyn was in a state of shock. She was crying for her mummy in front of everyone – she was on display.”
Police described the suspect as white, in his 30s, approximately 6ft and wearing a grey hoody and jeans. They believe he had already fled the shop before they arrived.
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Andy added: “The store was really busy, there were three cameras but none caught the incident.”
Kaitlyn, who attends Hilldene Primary School in Grange Road, Harold Hill, had all the items replaced by her father, who is hoping to be reimbursed by the store.
An Argos spokesman said the shop was “very concerned” about the incident.
She added: “We try to protect our customers as much as possible. However, customers are responsible for their own personal belongings on our premises and very occasionally occurrences in store are out of our control.”
If anyone has information about the theft, call Havering Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
