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Downs' sufferer and dad robbed by cruel thieves
15 May 2012
THE FATHER of a Downs Syndrome sufferer was targeted by cruel thieves who pinched £700 from his jacket pocket after tracking him from a bank.
Police have released CCTV images of two suspects believed to have watched the 72-year-old Coventry man – who was with his son – withdraw cash from a city centre bank on April 26.
The pair moved on to Santander Bank in Smithford Way to pay the money into an account used to pay for his son's care.
But as they approached the front of the queue one is understood to have slyly whipped the cash from the victim's jacket pocket.
CCTV footage even shows the thief signalling a 'thumbs-up' sign to a third person, believed to be a 'look-out', who was pretending to use an internal ATM.
Investigating officer DC Catriona Green, said: "These thieves have no morals…they have targeted an elderly man and his disabled son.
"The victim is deeply upset and shocked by what happened and truly believed he had kept the money safe as he walked through Market Way.
"If anybody recognises either person in the CCTV images, or if they notice them out and about, I'd ask them to contact me as soon as possible."
The male suspect is described as being of eastern European appearance, in his late 30s or early 40s, short dark hair, around 6ft tall and muscular build with broad shoulders; he was wearing a dark grey suit, with a light blue open necked shirt.
His female accomplice is believed to be a similar age, around 5ft 4ins tall, medium build and thick dark hair, pulled off her face and held in a loose bun; she was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket with a sleeveless white jacket on top and white socks underneath black wide strap sandals.
The other man detectives believe was acting as a look-out was wearing distinctive diamond-patterned jumper.
Det Con Green, added: "We'd advise people wherever possible to make sizeable cash transfers electronically…though we appreciate older member of the community are used to dealing in cash.
"If you want to withdraw a significant sum if money, in excess of £100, then ask to take it out in private in a back room away from potential prying eyes. We've raised the issue with banks and they are happy to accommodate these requests."
Anybody with any information should contact PC Green at Coventry Police CID on the non-emergency 101 number, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
