Thief tries to steal Kempton Park plasma TV

Jul 30 2010 By Rupert Basham

Kempton Park

SECURITY guards chased after a thief who tried to steal a £700 television from Kempton Park Racecourse in Sunbury.

A male culprit broke into the racecourse, in Staines Road East, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Monday July 26 and tried to steal a black Samsung plasma screen television.

Removing it from one of the buildings, the thief hid it, with the intention of removing it from the site at a later time. When he returned a short time later, he was challenged by security guards but fled the scene on foot towards Hampton Court.

He is described as being a white man, around 5ft 4ins tall, of skinny build, aged between 30 and 40 years old and with short dark brown hair.
He was wearing light brown coloured combat shorts, a yellow t-shirt, a dark blue or black jumper and white trainers.

Managing director of Kempton Park Racecourse Amy Starkey, said: "Incidents like this are only a small percentage as they aren't very common.

"In this instance they moved something from one location and then tried to come back to take it, but they never left the site. We have 24 hour security, who were quick to deal with the situation. We have a very strong relationship with the police and we have 24 hour security. Kempton Park is part of the community and we hope that all our visitors treat the racecourse with care and respect."

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen where the thief went.

Anyone with information should contact Surrey police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference SL/10/5928 or by phoning Crimestoppers anonymously.