Caught on CCTV: Stafford photo shop theft posted online
A thief made off with a £500 laptop from a photographic shop in Stafford - in full view of the CCTV cameras.
Now the owners have taken their own steps to catch the offender by putting the video on their Facebook page.
The theft took place at Peter Rogers Photographic in Mill Street on a busy Saturday afternoon. The sly thief can be seen repeatedly eyeing the laptop and checking to see if the coast is clear as he pretends to look at merchandise. He then coolly closes the lid, picks it up and slides the machine inside his jacket before walking out.
Do you recognise this thief?On Saturday afternoon he took a laptop from our store, if you recognise him please contact the police quoting the following incident number 382-232015 and feel free to share this post.
Posted by Peter Rogers Photographic Ltd on Thursday, 28 May 2015
Owner Anthony Rogers said the shop's Facebook page had been seen by more than 56,000 people since the CCTV film had been put on line.
"It's gone berserk - I only hope it helps us find the culprit," he said.
"He's an unlikely looking thief but obviously not a very observant one as he failed to notice the cameras which have given us a very clear view of him.
"We haven't really suffered from shoplifting as most things are locked away in glass display cases, so you can get a bit blasé, but we will be on our guard for a few years to come."
Shop assistant Steve Winkle was serving customers at the time of the offence on May 23.
He recalled speaking to the man, described as being around 5ft 8in tall with dark hair. He said: "He was very quietly spoken and said he was looking at bags. He was in and out so quickly."
The laptop was used for the business and had been open on a desk in the shop.
Mr Rogers said: "He didn't take the power cable so he'll find it difficult to use."
The family business, founded by Mr Roger's father, has been trading in Stafford for almost 70 years.
Staffordshire Police say they are investigating the incident.
