Police warning after distraction thieves target women in Leamington and Warwick

Since the end of September at least four women have been victims of distraction thefts in which their purse or bank cards have been stolen.

In each case the victim is distracted by a woman or group of women who ask for directions before unfolding a map to cover their actions.

George Stepney, community protection manager for Warwickshire Police, said: “The criminals approach their victim and engage them in conversation to distract them, sometimes asking for directions and unfolding a map, or asking about a certain item inside a store.

“While the owner is distracted they steal the card and quickly attempt to use it in a nearby cash point, often before the owner realises it has gone.”

The most recent incident, in which a woman had her bank cards stolen before they were used to withdraw cash, took place at the car park at Tesco in Emscote Road, Warwick last Tuesday.

In Leamington last month a woman had her debit card stolen and £300 was taken from her account.

She had been approached by three women with foreign accents while she sat in her car with the door open and her handbag in the footwell.

The victim believes she was followed by the thieves who had seen her use her PIN number.

Elderly women were targeted in Warwick and Kenilworth town centres last month.

Cash was stolen from the victims’ purses shortly after they had made a withdrawal.

Police are reminding people:

• Be aware of who is around them when they are withdrawing money or paying for goods using a card.

• People should always shield the number pad.

• When making a withdrawal be discreet about the amount you are taking out and do not turn around with it in your hand but put it in a purse or wallet at the cash point.

• Keep wallets and bags secure or out of view.