Police are still searching for a brazen burglar who stole money from a security store owned by a former bobby, specialising in CCTV.

The sticky fingered bandit was caught on camera rifling through the Security Centre’s till and stealing £90 on Monday May 17.

Officers have released an image of Leroy Lawless who they want to question in connection with the incident which happened at about 3pm on Godstone Road in Purley.

The thief, who was caught red-handed, was chased down the road by the store owner 65-year-old Graham Peacock and sales manager Danny Parker.

The pair cornered him and he agreed to go back to the shop.

CCTV images show him threatening pregnant 19-year-old secretary Rhoda Winter as she called the police, attacking Mr Peacock as he tried to stop him escaping and smashing through the front window of the store before running off.

The thug handed back the money he had stolen but turned violent when he realised Miss Winter was on the phone to the police.

He threatened the pregnant teen and shouted at staff before he was punched in the nose by Mr Peacock, who has seven commendations for bravery to his name.

The thug threw his motorcycle helmet and then a fire extinguisher at the front window in an attempt to escape before launching himself through the glass.

He returned moments later to get his belongings and threw a safe at staff.

Retired policeman Graham Peacock had two of his ribs broken after he was pummelled by the violent thug during the terrifying attack.

The grandfather does not consider himself a hero, he said: “It is the duty of human beings to stop lawlessness.”

He managed to grab hold of the burglar but was thrown to the floor outside his shop.

The former bobby was so badly injured he collapsed on the floor of his shop as the thug escaped on a motorbike, hotly pursued by several police cars.

The burglar caused about £2,000 worth of damage to the newly opened Security Centre.

Detectives said they have exhausted all inquiries to find Leroy Lawless and are appealing for help from the public.

DC Lewis Sanderson, from Croydon’s Burglary Squad said: “We would very much like to find Lawless and speak to him about this offence. We think he may be living in the South Croydon, Beckenham or Penge areas, so anyone with information should call us.”

Anyone with information should call Croydon Police on 0300 123 1212 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.