CCTV shows fraud suspect at cash point after pensioner's £100k painting is stolen

 
CCTV: the man police are trying to trace
6 February 2014
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This is the image of a fraudster suspected of stealing a £100,000 painting from the home of an elderly woman after posing as a bank employee.

He advised her to call her bank and then stayed on the line when she dialled the number and pretended to be a member of bank staff.

He said someone would fetch the cards from her home and also asked if she had any valuables in the house.

The victim told him of the painting, The Comet of 1858 by Samuel Palmer, and some jewellery.

About an hour later a man called at the woman’s address and stole the painting, items of jewellery and bank cards.

Painting: The Comet of 1858 by Samuel Palmer (Picture: Metropolitan Police)

Police today released the CCTV image which shows the suspect withdrawing cash using the victim's credit cards outside a Phones 4U shop on Oxford Street.

Detectives say that while the suspect’s face remains hidden they hope someone will recognise him from his clothing.

The image is recorded as being taken at 11.40pm on Saturday January 18 just hours after the burglary took place.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his 30s, about 5ft 10ins tall, with dark hair. He spoke with an English accent.

Detective Sergeant Jon Lightfoot, from Kensington and Chelsea CID, said: "Such scams against the elderly and vulnerable are despicable and heartless.

“Understandably Miss Overbury has now lost trust and confidence in people calling or visiting her home. We have placed a dedicated officer to support Miss Overbury which we hope can try and alleviate some of her fears whilst we make every effort to trace the suspects.

“The thief has not only helped himself to her jewellery and credit cards, he has also stolen her most prized possession, her Samuel Palmer painting. This work of art, which is a family heirloom, holds great sentimental value and is Miss Overbury's pride and joy.”

He added: “Do you recognise the man in the CCTV? Have you seen this painting in the last three weeks? Please call us if you have any information."

Police warned people to be aware of the so-called ‘courier scam’ pointing out that neither banks nor police would ever call and ask for PIN numbers or send couriers to collect cards.

Anyone who received such a call should end it immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0231 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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