Police are appealing for information after a calculated distraction theft at a well‑known antiques store in Royal Wootton Bassett left staff shaken and valuables missing.
Between 3.50pm and 4.10pm on Saturday 19th July, two individuals entered Old Bank Antiques on the High Street. According to staff, the pair appeared to browse the cabinets before engaging members of the team in lengthy conversation.
Whilst attention was diverted, a number of silver items were taken from one of the display cabinets. The suspects then appeared to make a genuine purchase of gold. However, as cash was being counted and exchanged, the suspects again created confusion – enabling them to leave the shop with both the gold and part of the cash originally handed over.
The theft was only discovered once staff reviewed what had taken place after the suspects had left the premises. The store has since assisted officers by providing CCTV images, and Wiltshire Police have now released two pictures of people they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
Anyone who recognises those pictured, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area at the time, is encouraged to call 101 quoting reference 54250095795.
