'Gazelle' thief on the loose in cemetery

The callous pilferer, who is said to hide in the woods to stake out his victims, is believed to be responsible for at least 18 smash and grab raids on cars while the owners visit the graves of lost loved ones.

He has been spotted on numerous occasions in recent weeks darting at speed through the trees after getting his hands on his latest swag.

There are unconfirmed reports that a vicar's car was targeted while he conducted a funeral and an unmanned police surveillance car, deployed to catch The Gazelle, was also broken into.

The audacious criminal has been caught on cameras at Chingford Mount Cemetery, in Old Church Road, but has managed to evade capture and visitors have been warned to be vigilant.

An 85-year-old Chingford man, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, fell victim to The Gazelle on a recent visit to family graves.

After leaving his daughter at his grandson's memorial, the pensioner decided to go for a short walk.

On returning to his car he found the window smashed and his daughter's bag, which contained £86, had been stolen from the back seat.

He said: "He can't have been much more than a few yards away and he must have been hiding behind a tree watching my movements.

"I have spoken to the staff and police and a number of visitors who said the same person has been responsible for numerous, similar thefts.

"They call him The Gazelle because of the way he runs so quickly through the woods. Apparently he has been caught on CCTV a number of times.

"The police told me a vicar's car was hit while he was giving a funeral and a surveillance car was also broken into. I can only assume he is on drugs, he has no morals at all."

Police say there have been no reports of The Gazelle, who is described as a tall, slim, blond-haired youngster, being involved in any violent incidents.

Anyone with any information should call Larkswood Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 721 2648 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.