Beware of Distraction Thefts

Neil Gunnell, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for the Wootton Manor Estate, and overall co-ordinator for the town, advises that there have been multiple reports of distraction theft in the past week, particularly outside the Tesco and Waitrose supermarkets.

Having left the supermarket, victims have been approached for directions, or with suggestions that their car has been damaged, or just to sit on the bench for a chat, only to subsequently find their purse or cards have been stolen, with cards rapidly used elsewhere.

Please pass the word around friends and neighbours to be careful to shield your PIN number when paying, to be very wary if approached by a stranger and to keep bags, purses and handbags closed and close to hand.

Report any strange behaviour to 999 if you believe a crime is in progress, or 101 if you have information which may help assist an arrest.