There has been a spate of thefts in East Sheen in recent weeks. These have involved the theft of bank cards and a mobile phone, when the victim has been drawing money from a cash point or using a card to pay for shopping. Substantial funds have within minutes of the thefts been removed from a different local cash point. On at least two occasions there has been CCTV footage identfying the perpetrator.

The police appear to be powerless in these cases because they do not recognise the perpetrator. It seems that this type of case is not regarded as a high priority unless there is such violence that it can be described as a robbery.

East Sheen is of course a low crime area by comparison with many other parts of the Met. But these thefts are causing severe disruption and upset for the victims. It is essential that all offences are reported.

It is a harsh lesson to keep your cards and phone safe and avoid any oversight of PIN numbers. Especially as ‘There’s a Thief about’.