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Police Hunt Suspected Serial ‘Langoustine Lifter’ Targeting London’s High-End Deliveries

Viral CCTV from chef Phil Howard spurred claims that one woman is behind roughly £2,000 in doorstep thefts.

Overview

  • Police have stepped up a search after multiple businesses reported the same woman taking high-value goods from outside their premises.
  • Footage from Elystan Street in Chelsea showed a box of langoustines worth about £300 being removed, prompting wider scrutiny of similar incidents.
  • Galvin La Chapelle in Spitalfields reviewed CCTV from November 4 that appeared to show £800 of premium meat being taken in the early hours.
  • Petals at Bibendum near Sloane Square reported £400 of orchids stolen, and Notting Hill’s 104 Restaurant said two £200 boxes of langoustines were taken in separate incidents.
  • Owners describe a repeat method targeting early-morning deliveries and some suspect the goods are being resold, as national data show package thefts totaling £666.5 million in the 12 months to July.