Hunt for thief who took grieving father's laptop while he was burying his six-year-old son

Ramzy Alwakeel10 November 2015
WEST END FINAL

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A thief stole a grief-stricken father’s laptop from a church while he was burying his six-year-old son.

The computer contained priceless photos of the young boy. It was being used to show the pictures for mourners during the service at Pentecostal City Church in Kensal Green.

It had been left unattended as guests, including the child’s 34-year-old father, travelled to Kensal Rise for the burial ceremony. When they got back they found the laptop had been stolen.

CCTV from the church shows a man with a “distinctive limp” taking the computer from its case after spending about 15 minutes sat down, police said.

It happened at about 1pm on November 2.

Appeal: Police would like to speak to this man
Metropolitan Police

Det Const Ben Kirkham from Hammersmith and Fulham CID, said: “The church hall was left open after the congregation left for the burial.

“We have CCTV that shows a man walk into the building. After spending about 15 minutes inside.

“He is then seen removing the laptop from the case and putting it into a carrier bag before leaving.

“The theft of this laptop with the father’s precious photos of his son has obviously and understandably caused huge upset for the entire family who are already going through a very difficult time.

“If you recognise the man from the CCTV or have any information please contact police.”

Police would like to speak to a man described as black and about 40 pictured entering the building before the theft.

He was wearing a black hooded jacket, a white hooded top with writing on the front and blue jeans.

The computer taken was a HP laptop with the serial number 8CG42003G6.

Police urge anyone with information to call Det Const Kirkham at Hammersmith and Fulham CID on 020 8246 2505 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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