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 Deputy head: School's teachers have gone 'above and beyond' during Covid pandemic
- 2 Havering households to be asked to participate in census
- 3 Christmas Day babies to spend their first few weeks in lockdown
- 4 Council report reveals concern that borough's Covid vaccination drive may be held back
- 5 Police appeal after second fatal Rainham collision in less than a week
- 6 Illegal car meet in Rainham sees 49 fined for Covid breaches
- 7 DAB radios donated to Queen's Hospital for those too weak to hold a phone
- 8 Romford MP hails charity's 'extraordinary' work during Covid pandemic
- 9 BHRUT thanks families of NHS workers who are keeping service afloat
- 10 Havering parks and gardens five feet under water as rivers burst their banks
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
