Shropshire Star

Police bid to catch PIN thieves

Detectives today released the first images of a gang which is stealing thousands of pounds from shoppers' bank accounts after snatching cash cards in a crime spree across Telford car parks.Detectives today released the first images of a gang which is stealing thousands of pounds from shoppers' bank accounts after snatching cash cards in a crime spree across Telford car parks. The three thieves are targeting women shopping alone in borough supermarkets and then following them around the store. The gang members then queue behind their victim and watch them enter their PIN number . After following them out of the store they target them again by asking them for directions at their car and often getting out a map to distract the shopper. Meanwhile, another gang member opens the passenger car door and snatches their handbag. The bank card is then used to withdraw cash from the nearest cash point, leaving the victim hundreds of pounds out of pocket, or by shopping in the store and getting cash back. Thefts or attempted thefts have been reported across the borough, including at Wrekin Retail Park, in Newport and in Dawley. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star

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Detectives today released the first images of a gang which is stealing thousands of pounds from shoppers' bank accounts after snatching cash cards in a crime spree across Telford car parks.

The three thieves are targeting women shopping alone in borough supermarkets and then following them around the store. The gang members then queue behind their victim and watch them enter their PIN number .

After following them out of the store they target them again by asking them for directions at their car and often getting out a map to distract the shopper.

Meanwhile, another gang member opens the passenger car door and snatches their handbag. The bank card is then used to withdraw cash from the nearest cash point, leaving the victim hundreds of pounds out of pocket, or by shopping in the store and getting cash back.

Thefts or attempted thefts have been reported across the borough, including at Wrekin Retail Park, in Newport and in Dawley.

Chris Ammonds, spokes-man for Telford police, said: "Distraction methods used by the suspects range from using a map and asking for directions to asking victims if they want vouchers for schools.

"Once the card details have been taken by watching lone females at cash points they then distract the victim to steal that particular card."

Members of staff who have served the gang members said they were of Eastern European origin.

Police have released the CCTV images in a bid to stop the gang in its tracks.

Mr Ammonds said: "They distract the shopper at their car after they have unloaded their shopping and put their handbag on the passenger seat.

"They then steal the bank card from the purse which they have just watched the shopper pay with at the till where they have taken the card PIN number."

Anyone with information should contact Constable Adrian Jones at Telford police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Kirsty Smallman

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