Toddler used in shop theft (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Toddler used in shop theft

8:47am Thursday 1st May 2008 in Swindon By Hayley Court

THIEVES used a three-year-old child as they swiped hundreds of pounds of clothes from an Old Town shop.

The shameless duo - believed to be mother and daughter - took a toddler into Nine in Wood Street on Tuesday.

Once they were inside shop owner Laura Hunt fetched him a toy to play with.

The pair then stood out of Laura's sight as they crammed clothes up their jumpers - in full view of a CCTV camera - before walking out.

They stole a £135 French Connection dress and a pair of £80 white Chilli jeans.

Laura said: "It was a very selfish thing to do, and to involve the little boy was awful.

"He was very well behaved and I even gave him a little game to play with.

"With the economy the way it is at the moment shops simply do not have the money to cope with theft like this."

The 39-year-old, who has owned the shop for two years, said she has considered throwing in the towel because of repeated thefts.

"We have all had enough of it and it is very hard not to take it personally. This is my livelihood after all," she said.

Tuesday's theft happened at 2.30pm.

The younger woman - who appeared to be in her twenties was wearing heavy make-up.

The older woman - aged between 40 and 45 - was wearing plain clothes.

Laura said: "The young woman looked quite chavvy but the mum was nothing extraordinary, she just looked normal.

"I can't help but feel a bit betrayed. We all know times are hard, but I don't understand why I should foot the bill. With trade not as good as it has been I can't afford just to give it away."

This week's incident isn't the first time Laura has been targeted by thieves.

In March men stole handbags from the shop undettered by the CCTV monitoring their movements.

"There is this one guy, I think he's probably in his late twenties, who always comes around every six months or so and just creates trouble.

"I've told him to leave but he doesn't pay any attention. He's extremely intimidating and just doesn't seem to care that I've seen him and know him by face."

"I just want them to know that it won't be tolerated and if other shoppers can help me identify these two women we can prevent other shops falling victim."

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000.