A manhunt is under way for a thief dubbed the “langoustine lifter” after a string of bizarre thefts involving lobsters, sirloin beef and even flowers from businesses across London.
The brown-haired woman first made headlines after she was caught on camera stealing a box of langoustines from the doorstep of Michelin-starred Elystan Street in Chelsea at around 8am on Tuesday, November 25.
Restaurateur Phil Howard posted the footage online, writing: “Caught stealing our precious langoustines this morning – you low-life scumbag. Hope you rot in hell with your other hard working mates.”
The box of coral-coloured shellfish — also known as Norwegian lobsters — was worth about £300. Its disappearance sparked concern among London’s fine dining community that a serial thief might be operating in the capital.
Those fears now appear justified, as three other businesses have reported the same alleged culprit, The Telegraph reports.
Within 24 hours of the video being shared, Chris Galvin, owner of Galvin La Chapelle in Spitalfields, east London, claimed the same woman also stole £800 of sirloin beef from the doorstep of his restaurant on Tuesday, November 4.
Mr Galvin said: “It’s tough on us and restaurants are suffering so much right now it’s the last thing hospitality needs.”
Elsewhere, a West London florist alleges the thief made off with rare orchids worth £400, while a second box of langoustines was swiped outside the front door of 104 Restaurant in Notting Hill.
As police ramp up the search for the alleged food thief, London’s chefs are said to be exchanging frantic messages on WhatsApp in what has been described as ‘a Christmas whodunnit’.
Richard Wilkins, owner of 104 Restaurant, said he had reported about 20 incidents of theft since he opened the restaurant in 2019, adding: “Like Elystan Street, we get langoustines from the same supplier and we had the exact same thing stolen twice.
“Each box of those langoustines are about £200.
“It seems really bizarre, why would they steal langoustines? But I think these people know what it is. They have people they can palm it off to who will then sell it to restaurants or pubs. It’s a network of people.”
Besides food, the thief is believed to have also stolen luxury flowers from florists.
Max Cansdale, owner of Petals at Bibendum, near Sloane Square, claims the same woman was caught on his CCTV stealing £400 of orchids. He said: “She’s got the same white crocs or slippers on.
“We’ve got CCTV footage of her reaching through the gates and stealing orchids... I guess the trappings of luxury life are attractive, aren’t they?”
A Met Police spokesman said: “We are currently investigating a report of a theft from outside a restaurant in Chelsea. The suspect stole produce, worth around £200 from outside the restaurant on Elystan Street at around 8am on Tuesday, November 25.
“The victim reported to police on Wednesday, November 26. Enquiries remain ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 1601 of 26 November.”
The spokesman said the force is also investigating the incident at Galvin La Chapelle, adding: “Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting the crime reference number: 01/8178460/25.”
