Couple With Child Sought After Distraction Burglary At Hagley Store

Police are appealing for help to trace a couple with a young boy following a distraction burglary this afternoon (Friday, 17 August) at a bridal shop in Hagley.

It happened at the Barbara Clark Design Studio in Worcester Road at about 1.45pm when a man and a young boy, thought to be aged around five or six, walked in off the street and started looking at dresses.

While a member of staff was distracted by them it is believed an accomplice, a woman, sneaked into the store through another entrance and stole a black Liz Claiborne leather purse containing £160, bank and store cards and other personal effects.

The woman appeared from a changing room and after a short exchange in broken English quickly left with the man and the boy.

The staff member went to check her belongings as she was suspicious and then discovered the theft.

Police were called and searched the area but were not able to trace the offenders who were white and spoke with Eastern European accents.

The man was in his mid to late 40s, around 5ft 4inches in height, had a large build, short dark hair and several gold teeth. He was wearing blue jeans, a plain maroon coloured T-shirt, with black shoes or trainers.

The woman was of a similar age and height, appeared overweight and was wearing a black headscarf, black skirt and carrying a tan-coloured handbag with long straps.

The boy was wearing blue jeans and a navy blue or black sweatshirt with some kind of motif on the back.

PC Chris Evans of West Mercia Police said: "This appears to be a classic distraction burglary with the thief sneaking in while the shop worker was occupied. We would like to hear as soon as possible from anyone who knows who the offenders are from the descriptions given or saw them getting in or out of any vehicle near the scene.

"If anyone saw them in the area or noticed them in any other shops or premises then please contact us without delay. We would also ask businesses and shop staff to review their security, remain vigilant and contact us immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously."

Witnesses or anyone with information should call PC Evans at Hagley Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the incident reference 140-N-170812, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Friday, 17 August 2012