Video: Couple steal £500 from Elm Park woman, 71, in distraction theft
Police wish to talk to this person in connection with the theft. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Archant
Officers from Havering Police have released the CCTV footage of the moment a 71-year-old woman became victim of a distraction theft.
Police wish to talk to this person in connection with the theft. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Archant
Teresa Carty, of Elm Park, has said she relives the attack that saw a couple fleece her of £500 while she used a cashpoint alone every night.
Police believe that the male and female that targeted Mrs Carty while her husband lay at home seriously ill, are responsible for other recent distraction thefts.
Mrs Carty told the Recorder this week how the attack at midday on April 4 left her feeling “vulnerable”.
She withdrew her shopping money from the cashpoint at Sainsbury’s, in Elm Park Avenue, Elm Park, when an Asian couple approached her.
You may also want to watch:
While they shouted, barged and confused her they convinced her to put her card back in the machine because they claimed she had not removed all her cash.
“With that he rushed across in front of me, pushed me back and ran off,” she said.
Most Read
- 1 Plans submitted for Rainham Lidl
- 2 Four weeks' free parking for Havering shoppers as high streets reopen
- 3 Romford mum's success setting up children's clothing business amid pandemic
- 4 Pictures: Remembering Prince Philip's visits to east London
- 5 Consultation begins on plans for multi-million pound health centre
- 6 Havering pays tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- 7 Fundraiser launched for £1,500 to buy Elm Park defibrillator
- 8 New Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre set to open
- 9 Officers donate Easter eggs to hospitals
- 10 Rainham school 'taking effective action' to improve after inadequate rating
Mrs Carty was too embarrassed to check her balance but when she did the following day, accompanied by her son for support, she realised £500 was missing.
“I was absolutely shocked, I felt so gullible,” she said.
“It’s horrible. I relive it every night. It’s such a horrible thing to do to an older person.
“I look for them every time I walk down the street.”
She said that she rarely goes to the cashpoint alone and only did so that day because husband Timothy, 72, was ill in bed.
Investigating officer Det Con Tara Wilson said that distraction thefts are a new crime to the borough and stressed that everybody should ensure there is a limit on their card so large amounts cannot be stolen.
Police wish to speak to an Asian couple in connection with the crime. The male is 30-40 years old and 5ft 4in. The female is around 30 years old and 5ft 5in tall.
If anyone recognises the couple or can help the police contact Havering CID on 101, quoting 5405008/14 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Read more:
Bacon theft gets Romford man conditional dischargePair steal keys from Hornchurch Sports Centre locker and attempt car theftPolice seeking man in connection with theft of women’s shorts
