Thieves caught on the CCTV they stole from elderly woman
BURGLARS who stole a CCTV camera inadvertently captured themselves in the act of ransacking an elderly woman’s home.
The two thieves were filmed on cameras that had been set up in the 83-yearold victim’s house.
They tried to cover their tracks by stealing the equipment, but police were able to download the footage from a central database.
Detectives have now released images of two men being sought over the raid, in which thieves broke in by smashing open a key box at the front of the property before letting themselves in. They had told the woman they were from a gas company.
One of the intruders was filmed in the kitchen of the property in Sheldon, Birmingham, at 11am on Monday.
When they spotted the HD cameras, the raiders tried to cover their tracks by stealing them but the footage was already backed up to a database.
One burglar also tried to hide his face behind a folder, but was clearly visible as he grabbed the camera.
Sgt Tom Lyons said: “Two men forced their way into an elderly woman’s home, and that is unacceptable.
“I’m concerned these individuals will seek out and target other vulnerable members of the community.
“We really need people to come forward if they recognise the men, so we can put a stop to what they’re doing.”