Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Thieving couple targeting bags
Pub-goers have been warned to be on their guard after a spate of bag thefts thought to have been carried out by the same couple.
Police are linking three reports of a man and a woman stealing purses or handbags from pubs and restaurants in Canterbury.
The first incident took place in November at The Dolphin pub in St Radigunds Street.
A month later a man and woman were caught on CCTV stealing a handbag from Veronica Pringle at the Bishop’s Finger in St Dunstan’s Street.
Mrs Pringle had been sitting in the centre of the pub when a man stood with his back to her. He took the bag from the chair it was hanging on and handed it to the woman before they left without buying anything.
Just 200 yards away, at Cafe Du Soleil in Pound Lane, Emma Mil- burn’s bag was taken as she ate with friends at a birthday meal last month.
Cameras captured a couple going into the restaurant and stealing the shoulder bag and leaving without ordering any food or drinks.
Miss Milburn said: “You can see the two people in the CCTV images from that night and the CCTV images that were released after the bag was stolen in the Bishop’s Finger – it’s the same people in both.
“They just look like a normal couple going out together, but in both scenarios it’s a similar situation.”
Police have now linked the three thefts.
Inspector Vicki Tyler said: “On all three occasions the victims have been enjoying a meal with friends when their bag or purse has been stolen by a man and a woman sitting close by.
“‘ We have been looking at CCTV and enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate the two offenders.
“We urge people to be vigilant and to keep their possessions close to hand when they are out and about in the city.”
Both the man and woman are described as aged between 35 and 45. The woman has lightcoloured frizzy hair, skin with red blotches and chipped teeth.
The man is described as being bald and having a large belly.
Anyone with information should call police on 01843 222289.