Shocking moment men make a child steal from a charity shop in Wimbledon

Fiona Simpson14 December 2016
WEST END FINAL

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This is the shocking moment two men made a boy steal from a charity shop.

CCTV footage shows the boy reaching in behind the counter of the Cancer Research shop while one of the men distracts a staff member.

The child, said to be no older than five, steals a charity worker's phone and tucks it down the front of his trousers before the men lead him from the shop.

Police want to trace two men in their late 20s and early 30s after the theft.

Police are hunting two suspects after the theft from the shop in Wimbledon

One of the men takes the shop assistant to one side. While her attention was diverted, the other ushers the small child behind the till.

He then seemingly encourages the boy to pick up the shop worker's phone, lift up his t-shirt and hide it down the front of his trousers.

The group then leave the shop carrying armfuls of women’s clothing and the worker's phone.

Police are looking to speak to the two men in the video and anyone who may have any information about the incident, which happened around 3.45pm on October 11 at the shop on High Street, Wimbledon.

The first suspect was described as a large white man, in his early 30s, with a brown beard.

Police appeal: Officers are looking to speak to this man in connection with the incident
Met Police

At the time of the theft he was wearing a grey long sleeve top with a green logo on his left breast, a grey cap, black shoulder bag, black shorts and black and white trainers.

The second man is described as a large white man, in his late 20s.

He appears in the footage wearing a dark blue t-shirt, dark blue peaked cap, dark red trousers, white socks and dark shoes.

CCTV image: Police are looking to speak to this man in connection with the incident
Met Police

PC Sue Clarke, from Merton Borough, said: "We are keen to identify the two men in the CCTV footage who appear to use the child in their care to steal from those working in a cancer research shop.

“We would also urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us."

Anyone with information or any witnesses are urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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