Distraction theft of purse at Hagley designer shop

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A PURSE containing £160 in cash and bank and store cards was stolen during a distraction burglary in Hagley on Friday afternoon (August 17).

It happened at around 1.45pm at the Barbara Clark Design Studio, Worcester Road, when a young boy, thought to be aged around five or six, walked in and started looking at dresses.

It is believed this distraction enabled an accomplice, a woman, to sneak into the store, through the entrance, and steal the black leather Liz Claiborne purse.

The woman came from the changing room and, after speaking briefly to staff in broken English, left with a man and a boy.

West Mercia Police now want to trace the couple with the child in connection with the theft, which came to light when the member of staff went to check her belongings.

The pair were both white, aged mid to late 40s, around 5ft 4ins tall and spoke with Eastern European accents.

The man was of large build. He had short dark hair and several gold teeth and was wearing blue jeans, a plain maroon T-shirt and black shoes or trainers.

The woman appeared overweight and was wearing a black headscarf, black skirt and carrying a tan handbag with long straps.

The boy was wearing blue jeans and a navy blue or black sweatshirt with a motif on the back.

PC Chris Evans, of Hagley Police, said diverting the shop worker's attention and carrying out the theft was a classic distraction burglary tactic and warned residents to be vigilant.

He urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who had any information on the raiders to call him on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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