Ealing police would like to appeal to the general public to assist them in identifying the individuals pictured below. Both suspects are wanted in connection with two deceptions on Ealing Borough. It is hoped members of the public will be able to assist in identifying the suspects so they may be questioned about the incidents. The latest incident took place in a Bank in Southall on 8th June 2005.

 

(male about 40-45 years old, female about 20 years old)

 

 

 

 

 

The man, who is said to have spoken poor English, asked a cashier exchange some money he was holding into foreign currency. He then changed his mind and asked to see what £1,000 in £20 notes looked like and felt like. The cashier got a bundle of £20 notes from her drawer, which was £1,000 in total and showed the man it behind her glass screen. He asked to feel it, the cashier refused but he kept on so the cashier passed it a short way under the glass front for him to feel which he did for a short time.  

 

The cashier kept hold of the money with both hands during this time.   He then started pulling at the cash, ripping the money from her grip and tore off the paper band, which held the notes together. The cashier then demanded he return the money. The female suspect then arrived next to him and began translating, indicating that he was going to give the money back and not steal it.  

 

The cashier then became engaged in conversation with the female about the money and she was not fully concentrating on the man. The man then handed the money back and stated he was off to another bank to change his money and left. On checking the bundle of cash, it was found to be £340 short of £1,000.

 

Another linked offence took place in a Travel Agents in Ealing Broadway on 3rd January 2004. The suspects went to the Foreign Exchange Counter and the man stated he wanted to send a large amount of foreign currency abroad and needed to feel the thickness of the currency as he wished to send the money abroad in an envelope.

 

The cashier stated that she could not do this, but the suspect handed her some money to hold as security. At this point the cashier handed the suspect an amount of foreign currency. Whilst the victim asked her manager for some help with the suspects, she took some currency back off the suspect but not all of it. When the victim turned back round to talk to the suspects they had gone out, taking with them 2,800 euros and 2,300 dollars.

 

Anyone with information about with could help the investigation or could help identity the suspects should contact the DC Lloyd Strang in the Safer Streets Squad Unit at Ealing Police Station on 0208-246-9147 or if they wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

 

July 7, 2005