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This is the moment a group of ‘brazen’ thieves stole over 300 Christmas trees from a family-run store in south-west London.
The break-in took place at Pines and Needles, Wimbledon, where boss Josh Lyle was left ‘sickened’ after losing over £3,000 worth of stock.
Police officers attended after the incident on Friday 27 and have released CCTV footage in a bid to find the thieves.
Mr Lyle hopes the Christmas lights that illuminated the three men in the footage will make it easier for them to be identified and apprehended.
He said: ‘We have been hammered already this year because of Covid. Now, just as we were given the green light to sell to the public, a bunch of thieves decide to help themselves to more than £3,000-worth of stock. It’s sickening.
‘Our job is to spread Christmas cheer to everyone in the UK, sending our trees far and wide.
‘This is a real kick in the teeth and we’re asking for people who may have information to come forward and notify the police.
‘This was a pretty brazen act in a well-lit yard right at the Wimbledon Park Road entrance, so we’re hoping they get their comeuppance.’
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were contacted at approximately 19.40hrs on Friday, November 27, following the theft of a number of Christmas trees from a pop-up shop in Wimbledon Park, Southfields.
‘Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD6599/27Nov.
‘Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’
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