CCTV: Group wanted over thefts from elderly people in Newport
Elderly and vulnerable people in Newport have fallen victim to a string of distraction thefts.
Police have now issued a CCTV image of three people they would like to trace in connection with the crimes, which are believed to be linked to similar incidents in Wellington and Market Drayton.
Officers have received a number of reports in recent months relating to incidents at supermarkets, car parks and cashpoint machines in the town.
PC Lee Thomas from the Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "These thefts have all been against elderly or vulnerable people within our community who have been left very distressed by what had happened to them.
"The offenders always work at a team with one working as a lookout, one distracting the victim and the third carrying out the actual theft
"Our advice is to always be aware of people too close when you are using a cashpoint machine or people approaching you when loading shopping into your car asking for directions or to change money for them.
"Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN number and do not leave handbags out of reach or sight when putting shopping into your car."
PC Thomas said the offenders have been described to police as of Mediterranean or Eastern European appearance, with the female in a white or cream shawl being often mentioned.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team via the Police 101 phone number or to ring the CrimeStoppers charity free and anonymously on 0800 555111.
