Police are appealing for the public's help to identify two individuals following a sophisticated distraction theft at one of London's busiest transport hubs. A woman was robbed of her suitcase and handbag, with the stolen items valued at more than £8,000, in an incident that occurred at St Pancras International station.
The Elaborate Paint Mark Distraction
The theft took place on the morning of Saturday, December 27, at approximately 9:45 am. According to reports, a man approached the victim at the major London interchange and informed her that she had a mark, described as paint, on her jacket. While he pretended to assist her in cleaning it off, a second individual swiftly seized the opportunity to snatch her luggage and make a rapid escape.
High-Value Items Stolen
The stolen property included a suitcase and a handbag, with the combined worth exceeding £8,000. Over a month has passed since the incident, and the perpetrators remain at large, prompting an intensified investigation by the authorities.
Police Release CCTV Footage
The British Transport Police (BTP) has now disseminated closed-circuit television images of two men they are eager to locate in connection with the case. In an official statement, the force articulated, "Officers believe the men in these CCTV images may have information that could help with their investigation."
Members of the public who recognise either of the individuals are urged to contact the BTP directly. This can be done by sending a text message to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, ensuring to quote the reference number 83 of 27 December. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the charity's online platform.
A Notorious Location for Theft
St Pancras International station has unfortunately garnered a reputation as a hotspot for bag and phone thefts in recent years. This latest incident echoes a high-profile case from 2025, where a suitcase containing luxury jewellery and designer handbags worth an estimated £250,000 was stolen from Brittny Button, the wife of former Formula One champion Jenson Button. That theft occurred as Mr. Button was assisting his chauffeur with luggage at the same station.
The recurrence of such crimes at this major transport interchange highlights ongoing security concerns and the need for heightened vigilance among travellers. The British Transport Police continue to investigate this latest distraction theft and are relying on community assistance to bring those responsible to justice.
