Advice issued after series of distraction style thefts
 

Dear Watch Member,

Police are issuing safety advice after a series of incidents where people are being distracted in cars parks and their bank cards stolen.

In the majority of cases the victim was approached by a man or a couple in a car park. They tell the victim they have dropped £10. The offender then helps the victim put the money in their purse, stealing their bank card at the same time. In some cases the offender(s) distract the victim with a map, whilst they steal their wallet or purse.

In the past week the following incidents have been reported to police:

On Thursday, October 25, a woman in her 80s was approached in Waitrose car park in Berkhamsted. The offender(s) subsequently removed £299 from her bank account.
On Saturday, October 27, a woman in her 70s was approached in Tesco car park, Rickmansworth. The offender(s) subsequently removed £300 from her bank account.
On Saturday, October 27, a woman in her 80s was approached in Tesco car park, Bishop's Stortford. The offenders then attempted to withdraw £200 from her bank account.
On Sunday, October 28, a woman in her 90s was approached in Sainsbury's car park, Harpenden. The offender(s) subsequently removed £750 from her bank account.
On Thursday, November 1, a man in his 80s was approached in Sainsbury's car park, Broxbourne.
On Thursday, November 1, a woman in her 80s was approached in Sainsbury's car park, Letchworth.
Scott Whitlock said: "We believe the offenders may obtain the victim's pin number whilst they are in store and then follow then into the car park. In one case £750 was removed from the victim's account before the victim realised her card had been stolen. 

"We must ensure people are aware of this trick so I'd urge people to be vigilant and, because we find that older people are being targeted, to make their elderly friends and relatives aware."

If you believe you have information about who is responsible, may have witnessed one of these incidents, or have been a victim yourself, please call police via the non-emergency number 101.

If you need to reply by email click on my address here: cmmail@herts.pnn.police.uk.

Regards,
Community Messaging
Hertfordshire Constabulary
Neighbourhood Watch
Email: cmmail@herts.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01707 354000