Valuable chart plotter taken in Poole distraction theft
Police are looking for information t following a distraction theft from a shop on Poole Quay.
The incident happened between 10am and 10.30am on Sunday 20 July 2014 at the ‘Piplers of Poole’ shop at Yeatmans Old Mill near to the lifting bridge.
Two women entered the store together and were followed shortly by a man – the two groups appeared to be independent of each other. Both parties engaged the staff asking questions about the products on display. The man then bought a marine map of Poole Harbour and paid for it with cash. One woman asked for a catalogue requiring the worker to leave the shop to go into a back room and fetch it. When the staff were distracted one of these people stole a ‘Raymarine’ chart plotter for boats worth over £1000.
All three left the shop at approximately the same time. It is believed they got into a light coloured car which was seen to drive off at speed toward the lifting bridge shortly after.
The first woman is described as white, approximately five feet seven inches tall, late 30s and of slim build with an unnatural looking tan. She has long blonde hair and was wearing a patterned summer dress.
The other woman is white, five feet three inches tall, of slim build with an unnatural looking tan. She had shoulder length blonde hair and a small tattoo between her shoulder blades. She was also wearing a patterned summer dress. Both women spoke with accents similar to the Essex accent.
The man is described as white, in his 50s and of slim build. He was wearing a black polo shirt with a white crest on the left side, black shorts and white trainers. He was carrying a cork sphere with a red lanyard, described as a key ring for boats.
Police Constable Luke Davis, of Poole police, said: “The stolen item was a high value product and this crime appears to be an organised theft by three people working together.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw these people in and around the area at the time.
“I urge anyone who has been offered this item for sale at an unusually low price or in suspicious circumstances to come forward.
“It is possible that the offenders are not local and are staying in local tourist accommodation. I am interested to hear from anyone who may have had customers who fit the descriptions of the suspects.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 20:197. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
