Police probe store thefts

Police have released detailed information about a team of three suspects, thought to have been responsible for a series of six very similar crimes.

The two women and one man worked together, using distraction techniques, to steal half a dozen handbags from supermarkets in Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown and Peel.

Graham Bell reports audio file attached):

In each case, the man asked an incomprehensible food related question in a foreign language while one of the woman snatched the bags. Three were taken from the backs of trolleys, two from prams and one from a walking aid. The bags were immediately passed to the second woman, who quickly left the stores.

Police believe the gang may have already left the Island, but are asking for anybody with information which might help them trace those responsible to get in touch. The numbers are 631212 for police headquarters and 0800 555 111 for the anonymous Crimestoppers line.

(Picture: A CCTV image of the three suspects in a store, with the two women arrowed at the front and back, and the man in the middle).