The thieves targeted the couple as they returned to their car in Glengall Road, just a short distance from HSBC in Kilburn High Road at 11.30am on April 7.
The couple had got back into their car when two “European” men knocked on the door, saying “you dropped money, you dropped money”.
Despite his wife warning him it was a scam, the elderly man got out to see £150 on the pavement – a technique distraction thieves use.
His wife got out to intervene but within four seconds a third thief had grabbed a bag containing the £5,000 from the passenger footwell.
The couple, who live in Kingsbury, had withdrawn the money to take with them when they visited grandchildren in Ireland on their Easter holidays.
The pensioners, aged 86 and 84, were robbed after they left the HSBC branch in Kilburn High Road (Image: Google)
Their son, who asked for the family not to be named in case of further attacks, described the ordeal as “horrible”.
He believes his mum, 86, and dad, 84, were deliberately targeted as they later noticed the back of his mum’s jacket had been sprayed with red paint.
He added: “God love them, the pair of them parked up and went to the HSBC, they know the bank staff, got the £5,000 out, went to Poundland to get some chocolates and as they went back to the car three Europeans done the old trick.”
He added: “My mum’s alright, she’s a hard as nails but my poor dad’s a bit shocked.
“I don’t think they slept last night to be fair. They’re in and out of Kilburn their whole lives and nothing’s ever happened.
“But they mustn’t dwell on it, they’re at an age where it could knock their confidence right down.”
The son said he called police five times on the day of the theft but officers did not come until the following day.
A spokesperson for HSBC said they were “sorry to hear” about the theft, explaining that the couple were offered alternative options but specifically requested cash.
They said the money was counted quietly using a note counter and secured in an envelope before being handed over, with the couple advised to be vigilant against pickpockets and distraction thefts, which are known to happen in the area.
They added the team at the Kilburn branch are alert to “suspicious behaviour” and remove suspicious individuals from the premises.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said they were called at around 12.45pm on April 7.
There have been no arrests but investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information should contact 101, quoting crime reference 3129/7APR.
