Caught on camera: youths take off with paparazzi camera
THESE three miscreants in Kilburn wished they had chosen different victims after they were papped by the paparazzi they had just robbed. David Mepham and David Lucas had been sent to the area to snap Harry Potter actor James Waylett when they were robbe
THESE three miscreants in Kilburn wished they had chosen different victims after they were "papped" by the paparazzi they had just robbed.
David Mepham and David Lucas had been sent to the area to snap Harry Potter actor James Waylett when they were robbed by three yobs in Messina Avenue, just off the Kilburn High Road.
At about 5pm on April 8, Mr Mepham was loading his equipment into a car when he was approached by the suspects who asked him if he knew where he was.
"I said I was not too sure," said the 37-year-old.
"They said, 'You're in f***ing Kilburn,' and then ran at me and surrounded me and started grabbing my stuff.
"I managed to throw the laptop through the window into the back of the car but they got the video camera and a camera.
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"They tried to get into the car but David had locked the doors. He then started snapping them so they ran off."
Mr Mepham chased the trio into Grange Park and called the police on the way.
Officers arriving on the scene then took the two victims on a drive-by to look for the suspects.
"Meanwhile, a lady had phoned the police to say a video camera had been dropped in her front garden," Mr Mepham added.
"But when we arrived, we saw a car pull up with the three boys in it and one of them jumped out, grabbed the camera and they drove off. We have given the picture to the police and, hopefully, it should help us get our stuff back.
"I am very frustrated this has happened and I really just want my camera back now."
Camden Police confirm they are investigating the robbery.
DC Jean Paul said: "It is rare that a photographer has the opportunity to capture images of the suspects of such good quality and these have been circulated internally among officers in an attempt to swiftly identify the suspects.
"I feel there is a good chance that somebody will identify one of these men and would urge anyone with information that may assist to contact Camden police."
Anyone with information should call 020-7404 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.
