The incident took place as an elderly man withdrew some money from a cash machine in the Fishergate area of the city centre.
As the pensioner reached to get the money, another man – who had been watching him use the machine – grabbed it.
The theft happened between 9.25pm and 9.45pm on October 3, with police taking the decision to release today’s image after drawing a blank with their efforts to identify the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Carol Thompson at North Yorkshire Police on 101.