Christchurch thieves walk away with meat and purse

The woman entered the Waitrose store in Bargates, Christchurch at around 2.35pm on 7 May, and placed a quantity of meat into a bag for life. She walked into the café and it is believed she saw a member of public handing in a purse they had found. The woman was then seen to make telephone call on her mobile phone.

A man then entered the café and approached the counter to speak to a member of staff about a purse that had been handed in, which he falsely claimed belonged to his wife.

He left with the purse and the woman walked out of the café a short time later with the bag containing the meat.

The couple were then seen to walk to a cash machine on Fairmile Road and withdrew £755 pounds.

Police Constable Paul Craig, of Christchurch police, said: “As part of my investigation I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of the suspects and I would urge anyone who recognises them, to please contact Dorset Police.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting occurrence number 55160070127. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.