Thief stole leaf blower from Ron Smith in Worcester - then sprinted out door

The suspect picked up the Husqvarna Leaf Blower from a shelf at Ron Smith and Company before running out the door so fast he was likened by staff to the Jamaican world-record-breaking sprinter.

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The footage, shown here, shows the thief running out of the garden machinery retailer in Newtown Road in Worcester on Wednesday (September 7).

SUSPECT: The man runs off with the leaf blower from Ron Smith and Co in Newtown Road, Worcester (Image: THIEF: CCTV footage of the suspected thief making off from the shop. Photo: Ron Smith and Company.)

The company, which has been in Worcester since 1967, shared a CCTV still of the suspect on Facebook following the theft of the £250 piece of kit at 11.50am.

Other makes and models have now had security cables fitted as staff step up their defences against shop thefts, having already invested in a CCTV system.

The business said: "Does anyone recognise this lovely man that decided to help himself to some of our new machinery out of the shop and run the 100 metres out of the shop quicker than Usain Bolt?"

The matter has been reported to West Mercia Police. As yet, nobody from West Mercia Police has been out to view the footage of the theft says sales manager Rob Manton.

Mr Manton, who has worked at the shop since 1985, said: "Basically he just picked it up and ran.

"Two to three of my colleagues had asked if he needed any help.

"He just carried on, wandering around. Then he picks it up and sprints out of the door. He waited until we were all busy, grabbed it and ran."

Mr Manton said security cables have already been placed on more items to prevent a repeat of what happened.

But he said: "You can't strap everything down. We're a showroom and people like to touch and feel and test products. Otherwise, we might as well put a photograph on there (instead of the product itself). Before we just had security cables on the chainsaws.

"We are now putting more cables on more machines. It's our employees he's stealing from. He's stealing from everyone on site. It's so frustrating. It's all money going out of the business that does not need to be."

West Mercia has been approached for a comment. The police have been reported and the business has been provided with the following reference - 22/89140/22.

Those with information can contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting the reference number.