8 Second Theft: Thieves Steal Pascoe’s Handbag Under Chair at Soho Restaurant
A brazen theft at a central London restaurant has been captured on CCTV, showing two men stealing a comedian’s handbag from beneath her chair while she dined with a friend.
The victim, Cally Beaton, was eating at a restaurant in Marylebone on Monday when the incident took place. Footage later shared on social media shows one suspect returning from the toilets and using his foot to discreetly hook the bag away from her chair. Moments later, a second man approaches, lifts the bag and places it inside his rucksack before both men leave the premises without attracting attention.
brazen theft
Ms Beaton, 56, posted the CCTV clip on Instagram in an appeal for information, urging people to share the footage in the hope of preventing similar thefts.
“Please watch and share this footage of these two lovely guys, faces clearly captured on CCTV,” she wrote. “As I sat catching up with a friend, they stole my bag from under my chair, bending it like Beckham in what is evidently their signature robbing move. Maybe if it’s shared widely enough they won’t get to do it to anyone else. Huge thanks to the enormously helpful staff where it happened. Happy Twixmas everyone, and stay safe out there.”
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She later said the loss of sentimental items had been especially distressing, including house keys attached to a key ring from her daughter’s toddler years.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed officers are investigating.
“At 5.07pm on Monday, December 29, police received an online report of a theft alleged to have occurred earlier that day at a restaurant on Thayer Street, Westminster,” the spokesperson said. “A 56 year old woman reported her handbag had been stolen by two men. Inquiries are ongoing to identify the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 01/8370099/25.”
Television presenter Jeremy Vine also shared the CCTV footage in an effort to help identify the suspects. One was described as wearing a cream puffer jacket, while the other was dressed in a black hoodie and jeans.
The incident adds to growing concern over thefts in public places across London. Earlier this year, actress Rosamund Pike said her phone was stolen by a cyclist while she was speaking to her mother. Former tennis player Annabel Croft has also spoken publicly about being robbed of her phone outside King’s Cross station.
Police are urging members of the public to remain vigilant in busy venues and to report any suspicious behaviour.
