Harrods vase thief ‘needed cash to buy Xmas pressies’

A pensioner who claimed he stole a crystal encrusted vase from Harrods so he could buy Christmas presents for his family was let off with a £30 fine. Gary Howlett, 68, was spotted on CCTV shortly after 2pm on 31 October entering the luxury store in Knightsbridge. Security followed the grandfather through the shop after noticing the Harrods bag he had with him carried the old design. As he tipped the glass vase, valued at £4,550, into the bag and…