Police are investigating a series of distraction thefts at supermarkets in Nantwich, Crewe and other parts of Cheshire.
The thieves have targeted older shoppers at supermarkets in Nantwich, Crewe, Northwich, and Congleton on March 19 and 20.
Each time, offenders distracted the victim before stealing cash and cards.
Police are keen to remind the public to be vigilant and take steps to keep them safe from thieves.
DCI Karen Jaundril said: “Of concern to us is the fact that these thieves appear to target older shoppers when committing their crimes.
“We are again taking the opportunity to remind the public to be on their guard and to have an awareness of this type of crime and following simple crime prevention steps.
“Similarly, we want you to always check your bank statements for any inaccuracies or discrepancies, as credit card fraud may not be immediately apparent.”
Cheshire Police is urging people to follow the advice below to protect themselves against this type of crime:
1. Do not leave your handbag hanging over the shopping trolley or unattended at any time. Make sure your bag has a secure zip fastening and for added security, secure your purse inside a zipped pocket inside the bag to help protect against thieves reaching inside your bag or purse to search for valuables.
2. If you are approached by a stranger in unusual circumstances in or around a supermarket, do not engage with them, particularly if they ask for directions or change. Be firm with them, walk away, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
3. When using a chip & pin device or ATM, always shield your number with your hand. Avoid using cash machines that appear to have been tampered with, or where groups of people are hanging around.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity or had any information should contact Cheshire Police on 101.
Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Shame pcsos are powerless
Unwilling to prosecute offenders
My daughter had her handbag and contents , cash, cards,driving licence, house keys etc stolen from her at Morrison’s in Crewe 2 weeks ago. The pcso who followed it up was excellent and took a statement from an onlooker, retrieved CCTV footage along with a list of shops her card had been used in to buy goods within 30 minutes of stealing the bag. The pcso passed all information on to regular police who one week layer called my daughter and asked if she had lost out financially. My daughter told her that the money withdrawn on the cards had been refunded by the bank. The police then advised that as there was no financial loss would my daughter drop the case. The pcso had already identified the thief from the CCTV and had also passed this on to the regular police. My daughter told police she wanted to make a statement and prosecute the thief as not only was it traumatic for her and my 2 grandchildren who were with her she also had to pay for house locks to be changed, her driving licence to be replaced etc etc. The origina!l PCSO called my daughter today and informed her that she was surprised my daughter did not want to progress the matter. My daughter told her that she had not said that and wanted to pursue it.
The PCSO has done a great job tracking the thief only for the police to be did inclined to follow it up. So the above article is a joke.