'Despicable' thieves caught on CCTV

An elderly couple were deliberately targeted as distraction thieves stole £700 of their Christmas money.

The incident happened in broad daylight in Coventry, West Midlands, after one of the thieves approached the couple as they loaded shopping into their car boot, asking for directions.

West Midlands Police released footage showing a second thief walking up behind the distracted couple, then reaching into the car before calmly going through the woman's handbag and taking a wallet containing the cash.

Detectives have also published images of two men they want to trace in connection with what they described as a well-planned theft on November 25.

Meanwhile, in the Christmas spirit, the bank has refunded the couple all the cash taken, but police are asking for the public's help to trace the callous thieves.

Detective Sergeant Dave Faries said the thieves "coldly and deliberately targeted the elderly couple", shadowing them as they finished their shopping, before "waiting for the right time to pounce".

He said: "I will not rest until these despicable thieves are identified and brought to justice."

Police have warned shoppers to be on their guard against similar crimes with Christmas approaching.

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