Two thieves were caught on CCTV stealing a phone from Maria Soloveva, a 21-year-old student, while she was enjoying bubble tea at Heafaure near Cutty Sark in Greenwich. The incident took place on September 12 around 6 pm. Maria’s husband, Illia Kudriavtsev, took to Facebook to share the footage in hopes of identifying the culprits.
Distracted by Foreign Language
According to Maria, the thieves distracted her by speaking in a foreign language and invading her personal space. They asked for money, which she refused, and then proceeded to slide a piece of paper over the table, unknowingly covering her phone in the process. The theft was captured on CCTV, clearly showing one of the thieves, while the other was masked and unidentifiable.
Impact on Maria
The thieves left the bubble tea shop, and it wasn’t until 10 minutes later that Maria realized her phone was missing. She described the experience as “horrible” and expressed feeling “helpless.” As a student at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, her phone contained vital information such as schedules, important data, and Apple Pay. Maria emphasized the importance of identifying the thieves not just for herself but also for other students in the area who may fall victim to similar crimes.
Police Response
Maria contacted the Met Police, providing details about her stolen phone and requesting the shop’s CCTV footage. However, officers deemed it unnecessary to send someone to the scene as the thieves had already left. Despite reporting the incident, Maria received no updates from the police, prompting her to seek help from the community in identifying the suspects.
Community Support
Several individuals online shared their experiences of encountering the same thieves in the area. Judith Quin mentioned a similar incident at Pasta Evangelista, where the thieves attempted to steal a woman’s phone. Fox Computer Services also shared a personal account of having their bank card stolen while staying at a hostel in the vicinity. The community rallied together to provide information and support in identifying the culprits.
Metropolitan Police Statement
The Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving a report of the alleged theft at a business premise in Greenwich Church Street. A mobile phone was stolen from within the premise, and no arrests have been made. Enquiries are ongoing to apprehend the thieves responsible for the crime. The police encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Community Efforts
In the absence of significant progress from the authorities, Maria continued to seek assistance from the community. With online users sharing their encounters with the thieves and offering potential leads, there was a collective effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. The support and solidarity shown by individuals in the area highlighted the importance of community involvement in combating crime.
Seeking Justice
Maria’s determination to identify the thieves and hold them accountable resonated with many individuals who recognized the prevalence of theft in the area. The incident served as a wake-up call for residents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their belongings. By working together and sharing information, the community demonstrated a unified front against criminal activities.
Conclusion
The theft of Maria Soloveva’s phone at the bubble tea shop in Greenwich shed light on the importance of community involvement in addressing crime. Through the collective efforts of individuals sharing their experiences and offering support, there was a sense of solidarity in seeking justice for the victims. As the investigation continues, the collaboration between residents and law enforcement remains crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the community.
