SELFIE TO SHAME THE MET
Force was ‘too busy’ to probe theft of woman’s Audi – but sent SIX officers after ex-footballer’s car was stolen half a mile away
WHEN Natalie Neal had her Audi TT sports car, luxury watches and her late grandmother’s jewellery stolen, police were ‘ too busy’ to investigate.
Two days later, however, it was a very different story when six officers showed up following the theft of former England football star Ian Wright’s car less than half a mile away.
After the raid on Monday, Miss Neal called police, who sent a forensics officer to dust for fingerprints at her home in Queen’s Park, North London.
But she claims to have been told the Metropolitan Police was too shortstaffed to send a detective.
She was then told the case would be closed unless more evidence came to light. ‘How can they close the case? They haven’t opened it,’ she told The Times.
But two days later, no fewer than six officers were pictured on social media posing with Arsenal and England legend Wright after recovering his stolen car.
The sportsman-turned-pundit wrote next to a photograph on his Instagram account: ‘Car got nicked tonight and got found by a Tottenham fan policeman... thank you so much.’
Miss Neal is angry that so many officers from the stretched force responded to the former striker’s report but not even one was deployed to help her.
‘I’m very happy he had his car returned,’ she said.
‘Perhaps one of the six officers could stop posing for a pic and pop round to help a non-famous, taxpaying crime victim?’
Miss Neal was forced to turn detective herself, going door-todoor to ask neighbours if anyone saw or heard anything and scouring CCTV for clues.
Items stolen from her house included 100-year-old earrings with immense sentimental value as they belonged to her grandmother.
Also gone were a TAG Carrera men’s watch, an antique Avia Diamond watch, gold necklaces, fob watch, locket, numerous antique rings and gold bracelets. The keys to her Mercedes were also taken, along with an iPad mini, and wads of cash in euros, US and Bermuda dollars.
A Met Police spokesman said: ‘These are two separate incidents with different circumstances and investigative opportunities.
In one, a car had been reported stolen from Brent at around 12.50am on Wednesday, May 2. It was fitted with a tracker device and was found at approximately 1.35am.
‘Officers attended the address to inform the victim that his car had been found.
‘In the other case, police in Brent received a report of a burglary and car stolen in Queen’s Park on the afternoon of Monday, April 30. A report was taken and a forensic specialist attended the property. No arrests have been made.’
‘Perhaps one could pop round’