CCTV appeal following thefts in Birkenhead and St Helens

Detectives have issued two CCTV images of a man and woman who could have information that may assist with enquiries following two thefts that occurred in Birkenhead and St Helens.

It was reported that at around 2.30pm on Friday 5 April a man who left Santander bank on Grange Road, Birkenhead was followed by a man and woman to Borough Pavement, where a dye or paint was thrown over his coat. The man removed his coat and placed it in his car. He was then distracted by the man and woman who stopped and told him he had a flat tyre. The man then stole the coat from the victim’s car and ran from the area. A member of the public chased the man and retrieved the coat he had stolen.

A second incident took place on Wednesday 24 April when an elderly woman was approached by a man inside TJ Hughes asking about a dress. whilst the victim was distracted a woman stole her handbag. When the victim noticed this the woman dropped the bag but had taken the money from inside the purse of the bag and ran off from the shop.

Since the two incidents extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted in the area, and detectives have now issued CCTV images of a man and woman they believe could assist in their investigation.
 
Inspector Nicola Hughes said: “These were serious crimes that has caused vulnerable shoppers in our community to be targeted.

“I want to reassure residents and shoppers in the area that we are conducting a thorough investigation to find those responsible.

“We think the man and woman pictured may have vital information to help our enquiries so if you know them, please come forward as soon as possible.

“If you recognise them, or the images jogs your memory about any suspicious behaviour you may have seen whilst shopping in the area please contact us.

“Similarly, If you have any CCTV footage from Friday 5 April or Wednesday 24 April please contact us so we can continue to investigate this incident.”

If you have any information on this incident, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference 24000375410. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/