Watch: Woman releases video of sly £10k camera bag theft after Met Police ‘ignored’ CCTV clip

A woman who had a bag with her visa, ID, and up to £10,000 of camera equipment stolen from a London cafe has turned to social media after police “ignored” a CCTV clip of the theft.

Footage posted on Twitter by Laura Luo on Sunday, July 17, shows a man in a dark cap, pink polo shirt and sunglasses entering the Acai Berry cafe, and spotting a bag on the floor.

The man, who is also carrying a Boots paper bag, can be seen appearing to move the bag towards himself with his foot, while checking around for anyone watching him.

He then picks up the black and white backpack-style bag and swiftly exits the premises.

Ms Luo, 29, shared the clip on social media after she said officers “didn’t even bother” to look at the CCTV footage when she went intCharing Cross police station after the theft.

But she confirmed the force was now looking into the incident, after her video went viral.

She told LondonWorld: “I hope no one will be suffering like me. This could be a warning to criminals if they can catch him.”

A force spokeswoman said theft was “extremely serious” and enquiries were underway.

Ms Luo, who is from Hong Kong, said: “The thief who took my bag yesterday. Does anyone know who he is?

“My passport, visa and my working phone and over £10,000 of property were stolen. Please help me, Met Police.”

The part-time photographer added: “I am so sorry. I know I was so stupid.

“I have learnt a lot from this big trouble. I should have taken my responsibility to take care of it. I love London. Since I moved here, almost everyone I have met has been nice.

“I worked hard for two years and finally purchased my devices. Crying and crying.”

Ms Luo said the theft occurred at the cafe at 130 Wardour Street, W1, at 6.27pm on Saturday, July 16, and that the items stolen included a Fujifilm XT4 camera and new Viltrox 85mm F2 and 13mm F1.4 lenses, along with “many artworks, [an] iPhone with footage for my clients, UK ID, key and my medicine”.

Client documents, ID cards, bank cards, and a wallet were also inside the bag, she said.

She added: “I have been to Charing Cross Police Station and enquired (begged) if they can go to Boots to get CCTV with me.

“The police didn’t even bother to look at the CCTV footage I was trying to show them.”

And in another series of tweets, she wrote: “A tough day started again. Does anyone recognize him?

“It didn’t turn on Find My IPhone. Have been to Boots, no access to check CCTV. Tried to track IMEI, [but] failed.

“Keeping my eyes on secondhand camera online shops and eBay.

“I have finally heard back from the police after the tweet went viral.

“I was asked to submit this footage officially through the police system and wait for a response. Hopefully I won’t be ignored this time.”

The Met spokeswoman said: “Police are investigating the theft of a bag that took place at around 6.30pm in a restaurant in Wardour Street, W1F.

“A number of items were reported stolen.

“The victim attended a central London police station and as is routine with this crime type, it was recommended she file a report online.”

Sgt Phil Rowe said: “Any instance of personal theft and robbery is taken extremely seriously and enquiries are under way to identify those responsible for this incident.”

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 2561/17JUL.