A PUNTER lost a £500 betting slip only for it to be cashed in miles away, as police launch an investigation.
The incident happened at a bookies in Trafford, Manchester, earlier this month.
Shortly before 11.50am on January 4, the victim, a man in his 30s, had placed a £500 bet on there to be more than 2.5 goals in a football match featuring the Italian giants Juventus at a Betfred shop in Stretford.
That night the Serie A side beat Salernitana 6-1 in the Coppa Italia which would have landed the punter around £750 – roughly £250 in winnings and their £500 stake back.
However, it is believed he dropped the slip in the shop where the bet was placed on Chester Road.
It was later cashed in for a cash-out price of £400, before the Juventus game had finished, at a different shop in Manchester city centre.
It was reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) who have recorded the incident as a “theft by finding” and which officers are now investigating.
They have today released an image of a man they would believe “may hold vital information” about the crime, and who they would like to speak to in connection with the alleged theft.
Neighbourhood Inspector Scott Wolstenholme said: “The slip could easily have been handed in and has ultimately deprived someone of a large amount of money, and we welcome any information that leads to an arrest.
“We have neighbourhood officers out and about across the Trafford district, so if anyone has any concerns or wants to report a crime, please speak to them.”
A Betfred spokesperson said: “We remain fully cooperative with the police, who are making great efforts to ensure we pay out to the rightful winner.”
Information can be reported online on the GMP website or by calling 101 and quoting the log number 2498-04012024.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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