Warning after elderly targeted in distraction thefts near ATMs

We are urging people to stay vigilant following two recent distraction thefts outside cash machines in Tamworth and Lichfield.

At around 11.30am on 25 October, a victim, in her 80s, was tailed by two men in a charity shop on Tamworth Street, Lichfield. One of the men then followed her to WHSmith on Bakers Lane, where he distracted her and stole her purse.

Then, at around 10.15am on 30 October, a man in his 70s was approached by a man near Lloyds Bank on George Street, Tamworth. The suspect tried to trick the man into thinking he had dropped a £10 note, but, fortunately, stole nothing from him.

The suspects in both incidents used similar methods of distraction, including:

• Distracting victims by making them think they have dropped a banknote or something similar
• Stealing their purse or wallet in the process
• Going to a nearby ATM and trying to withdraw money using the stolen cards

We are urging people to be vigilant when out and about, especially around ATMs, inside banks, or wherever else you might use your PIN. If you’re approached by someone near a cash point, make sure they aren't trying to distract you and that your valuables are in sight.

Anyone with information about either theft is urged to get in touch by calling 101, quoting incident 687 of 25 October, or by messaging us using Live Chat.

If you'd like to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.