A thief snatched a large wad of cash from a woman using an ATM before fleeing from the scene in broad daylight in the middle of central London.
How it Happened
Video footage captured the moment the man loitered behind his victim before pushing in front and grabbing the money at a Lloyds cashpoint just off Oxford Street on Monday.
But fortunately a good samaritan sensed something suspicious was happening and chased the robber from the scene, causing him to drop most of the cash which was then returned to the victim.
The theft occurred on Binney Street on Monday lunchtime at around 12:20pm, with dozens of passersby in the vicinity.
The woman, who was seen clutching shopping bags, appeared somewhat confused as she stood at the cashpoint as the man, dressed all in black, stood behind her.
He then pushed in front of her and the pair appeared to exchange words before the man began jabbing at buttons on the ATM.
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How a Good Samaritan Stepped in
As the money was dispensed, he is seen grabbing it before suddenly darting away up the street and shoving aside pedestrians.
But as he had been standing at the cashpoint, a kind stranger appeared to realise something was amiss and approached the woman, before giving chase up the street after the thief.
He Was Caught
He appears to have caught him, causing him to drop most of the cash, as later footage shows him gathering up notes which had been dropped on the floor in a small nearby park.
The brazen theft was reported to police.
Statement From Police
A spokesperson for the Met Police said: ‘Police were called to Oxford Street at the junction of Binney Street, W1C at about 12:29pm on Monday, 19 February following reports of a robbery.
‘It was alleged that a man pushed a woman before stealing cash she had withdrawn from a cash point at the location. The suspect ran off, dropping the money as he left.
‘The cash was returned to the victim by a member of staff from a local shop, who then reported the incident to police.
‘An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing to trace the victim.’
