A cruel thief, who snuck into an elderly woman’s car to steal her sat nav moments after she was badly injured in a crash in Hulme, has been caught on camera.
The 73-year-old victim suffered bruising to her legs and ribs after her blue Vauxhall Corsa collided with railings of an Asda petrol station on High Street – her husband, who suffers from dementia, was also in the car.
As the elderly couple were waiting for the ambulance to arrive, the thief snuck into their car and stole a black Garmin satellite navigation system from the footwall of the passenger’s seat at around 12pm.
Police Constable Paul Brunton said: “I have spoken to the woman, and in her victim impact statement she has described this thief as ‘the lowest of the low’.
“As she and her husband waited for an ambulance, injured from the collision moments before, what they needed was help and assistance but instead this thief took advantage of the opportunity, preyed upon their vulnerable state and stole their sat nav.”
However, as the thief and his dog walked off, a member of the public took a picture of him walking away.
The offender is described as being between 30 and 40-years-old, has a beard and was wearing purple, surf-style shorts.
PC Brunton said: “It is a sickening, appalling and cruel act and while I doubt the thief is ashamed of himself, I’m sure anyone reading or hearing this appeal will be disgusted.
“I would ask that people use that sense of indignation to help us find this man. A member of the public took a picture of the thief brazenly walking away from the scene while his dog.
“He was wearing distinctive shorts and was with his dog so hopefully someone will recognise this man as someone local to this area.
“If you do recognise him or you even know this man, then please do the right thing and call us.”
Police have issued the picture hoping that anyone who might know the offender will come forward by calling the police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
