CCTV footage shows apparent hypnotist robbery

LONDON, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- London police released CCTV footage of a convenience store theft in which the suspect apparently hypnotized the shopkeeper before picking his pockets.

The Metropolitan Police said the suspect entered the Hops 'N' Pops store and requested water for his pregnant wife, which he indicated by touching the stomach area of owner Aftab "Aziz" Haider, 56, apparently putting him into a hypnotic trance. The suspect then took the shopkeeper's wallet and hundreds of dollars worth of cash from his pockets.

The footage from the Sept. 11 incident shows Haider appear to snap out of the trance as the suspect was leaving the store, but he started shouting too late to stop the man.

Police said members of the public are being encouraged to come forward if they recognize the suspect, who was described as between 30 and 35 years old.

"The victim in this incident said that he was momentarily unaware of what had happened to him," Detective Sgt. Dave Bullock said in a news release. "The suspect's distraction tactics appeared to have worked as he robbed the victim of cash from his pocket. If anyone recognizes the suspect or has been a victim in similar circumstances, please contact us."