Police are appealing for information to help catch a heartless thief who stole a laptop from a man who was at the funeral of his six-year-old son. The laptop was being used to show photographs of the child during the service a church in Hammersmith and Fulham on 2 November.
After the service in Pentecostal City Church, mourners, including the boys 34-year-old father, left to go to Kensal Rise for the burial. When they returned to the church, they discovered the laptop had been stolen.
CCTV footage shows the thief walking into the church hall, taking the laptop from the case before putting it into a carrier bag and leaving. The suspect is described as a black male, aged about 40. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, a white hooded top with writing on the front and blue and walks with a distinctive limp. The computer taken was a HP laptop serial number 8CG42003G6.
Detective Constable Ben Kirkham from Hammersmith and Fulham CID, said: The church hall was left open after the congregation left for the burial. We have CCTV that shows a man walk into the building. After spending about 15 minutes inside, he is then seen removing the laptop from the case and putting it into a carrier bag before leaving.
The theft of this laptop with the fathers precious photos of his son has obviously and understandably caused huge upset for the entire family, who are already going through a very difficult time. If you recognise the man from the CCTV, or have any information please contact police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Ben Kirkham at Hammersmith and Fulham CID on 020 8246 2505 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
