Video: Shocking CCTV footage shows thieves distract and then steal from elderly couple

West Midlands Police are now appealing for anyone with any information on the two criminals to come forward

One of the thieves asked for directions as the other grabbed the wife's purse (West Midlands Police)

Shocking CCTV footage has emerged that shows the moment a thief took advantage of an elderly couple’s kindness by stealing cash from behind their backs as they helped his accomplice with directions.

The despicable footage, which was captured in Radford, Coventry on 25 November, shows one of the men distract the couple by asking them for directions.

As the pair do their best to assist the man, his partner in crime sneaks up behind them to steal the wife’s purse.

“Not only did they follow them in the bank, but they also shadowed them as they carried out their shopping ? waiting for the right time to pounce.

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“The couple had withdrawn the money for Christmas presents for their family and thankfully, in the spirit of the festive season, the bank has refunded them all the cash.

He said the video had been released in an attempt to get help from the public to track down the two men.

He added: “I Will not rest until these despicable thieves are identified and brought to justice. We have carried out numerous inquiries in the area and checked police systems to try and identify the suspects, but now we need the public’s help to trace them.”

If you have any information please call police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.