Crook uses child to shoplift in Co-op supermarket, Sidcup

Footage of a young child helping a man steal from a shop has been released by the police.

The CCTV clip shows a topless boy walk through the Co-op supermarket in The Oval, Sidcup, picking up food from the shelves.

A man approaches the child with a basket of drinks which he starts unloading into a black side bag.

The little child helps the man and puts food into the bag as well.

One comment on Facebook from Gary Crawford said: “Makes me very sad and angry that we now have these sort of low life’s in our area.

“He might have been better off stealing a sweatshirt for the little boy.”

The incident took place on October 20 and the police are appealing for help in identifying the suspects.

Harriet Green said on Facebook: “Absolutely sickening. It looks like something from a Dickens story. Poor child.”

A spokesman for Sidcup CID said: “Police would like to identify and speak to this male involved in a shoplifting at the Co-Op Supermarket, The Oval, Sidcup, on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in the afternoon.

Although the value of goods involved was low, it’s shocking that the adult male appears to be encouraging the child with him to steal.

Any Information please Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.