Staffordshire Police are urging vigilance after a marked rise in the number of distraction thefts across the south of the county, in particular amongst the elderly or vulnerable.
Victims are approached by opportunistic thieves and often asked for change or directions. Once distracted, money and cards are often stolen, without the individual noticing anything out of the ordinary. Thieves invariably target the elderly, who have either withdrawn or are about to withdraw money from cash machines. It is believed that thieves are observing PIN numbers after watching individuals withdraw cash earlier in the day. The victim often doesn’t realise the card is lost until after large amounts of cash has been withdrawn.
Inspector Bob Champeau of Staffordshire Police said: “These are particularly cruel crimes committed against the vulnerable elderly who have only tried to help the offenders. I urge everyone to take care of their cash cards, wherever they are. Keep these valuable items safe and secure at all times. Please always keep handbags closed and pockets fastened. When you use a cash machine, please be aware of anyone in the immediate area and shield your PIN number when you use it. Everyone should be vigilant particularly around guarding their PIN number when paying in shops for goods , or when withdrawing money. If you spot anything unusual about the cash machine, please do not use it and report it to the bank or ourselves. I would further ask that anyone with elderly relatives, gives them advice on their personal safety when they use these banking facilities to withdraw cash. Anyone with information about distraction theft should call Staffordshire Police on 101 and give us any details that they can”.
You can also report crime by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
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