Pollice issue warning following thefts from handbags
Women in Shropshire are being urged to make sure their handbags are secure when out shopping after bank cards were stolen and used to withdraw cash from their accounts.
The police warning follows two incidents in Market Drayton town centre, where women aged 87 and 62 were targeted and their purses stolen.
In one instance, a woman approached the victim, causing a distraction to carryout the theft. Both incidents happened within a 15-minute period at around 11am yesterday.
The 62-year-old had just withdrawn £100 from the Barclays Bank ATM in Cheshire Street before making her way to the car park in Queen Street where she was stopped by a woman who asked her to read a slimming brochure she was holding.
She then left and a few minutes later, the victim received a phone call from her husband stating the bank had made contact about money being withdrawn from their accounts. It was then that she discovered her purse missing.
The other victim had also used a bank machine. On returning home, her bank phoned advising someone was using her bank card. Again, her card was missing from her bag.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “These two incidents serve as a reminder to make sure handbags and shopping bags are kept secure with zips and clasps firmly closed.
“Shoppers need to be on their guard. There are opportunist thieves who will target individuals. If you are using cash machines, make sure no-one is stood close by and make every effort to ensure no-one can see you entering your pin number.”
“It’s clear that the thief may try to confuse or distract their victim or they may just take a purse from an insecure bag without speaking to them.”
Anyone with information which might assist the police should call Market Drayton police station on 0300-333-3000.
