Elderly Shropshire shoppers warned of distraction thefts of cards from purses
Thieves are preying on older shoppers in a series of distraction thefts across Shropshire.
Shoppers have been asked for directions to a local hospital, while thieves take their purses or cash cards from their bags.
West Mercia Police are urging people to take care of their handbags, purses and wallets and to keep valuable items secure, particularly at checkouts and cash machines.
It comes after a series of thefts where criminals have distracted victims at the supermarkets or in busy town centres in order to steal their bank cards.
Inspector Amrik Klair said "We are working closely with stores and supermarkets to reduce these type of thefts.
"I would also urge members of the public to watch out for our elderly shoppers when they are in supermarkets and car parks, as they are especially vulnerable to this crime.
"When in a shopping queue look out for 'shoulder surfing' by criminals in attempts to steal PIN numbers being entered."
In Morrisons on Whitchurch Road, Shrewsbury, a woman in her 70s got into her car and placed her handbag on the passenger's seat when she was approached by a man, who asked her to write down directions to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
She got out of the car to help, before getting back in to drive off.
A security guard noticed the incident on February 19 and told her to check her purse; she then discovered that her bank card has been stolen. She was able to cancel her card before it could be used fraudulently.
The man was described as white, with an Eastern European appearance and accent. He was in his late 20s to early 30, with dark short hair and a full beard.
A similar incident happened on February 10 in the car park of Sainsbury's on Salop Road in Oswestry.
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting 287 of the February 19 for the incident in Morrisons and 232 of February 10 for the incident at Sainsbury's.
