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Friday, July 04, 2008, 07:00
A 10-year-old boy, who is suspected of being part of a gang of thieves, was arrested near Iceland Foods in Chapel Street after store members caught him and another child stealing a bag.
Police believe the boy had committed at least three thefts and was working with a gang in the area, including an adult man and woman.
A security guard the Boyes store in Kings Street in the town centre confirmed a gang of three, a child, woman and a man had stolen a purse at the store.
The two adults believed to have been involved in the incidents have not yet been identified by police.
However, as part of their investigation, police have recovered CCTV footage of a woman they wish to speak to in connection with the thefts.
Franchesca Sadler, a stock assistant at Iceland Foods, caught the young thief after she saw him act as a decoy while another boy stole an elderly disabled woman's bag.
She told the Mail: “It was like something out of Oliver Twist.
“I caught him. They stole the bag in Iceland and then ran out.
“One lad kept the lady talking and the other ran off with her bag. I chased him and caught him down Marshall Street.
“He was creating and screaming and shouting. He was very upset with himself, but I didn't feel sorry for him. The old lady was disabled – she could hardly walk.
“The other one who had stolen the bag managed to escape, but we called the police and had the other one arrested.”
The boy was handed over to police at about 1.45pm on Wednesday and arrested on suspicion of theft.
He could face prosecution in a youth court as the age of criminal responsibility in the UK is 10.
It is not known if the parents of the boy had been contacted.
Officers also think other people may also have had their property stolen, but the incidents may have not been reported because the victims may have assumed the items had been mislaid rather than stolen.
Anyone who recognises the woman, or who lost their wallet or purse while in Bridlington town centre on Wednesday, should call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.
Police would like to speak to this woman
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