Local people have told the Ross Gazette about several incidents involving pickpockets operating in large stores in town.

Victims have described the perpetrators as dark skinned or Asian.

Inspector Bob Barnett told the Ross Gazette: “It is a variation on the theme of the distraction offences we have had historically.”

“This time someone just distracts the victim, by getting in their personal space, whilst another tries to pick a pocket or bag.”

In January, Inspector Barnett issued the following advice to people shopping in supermarkets:

He said shoppers need to be aware that fraudsters normally work as part of a team and will often choose a potential victim and follow them around the store. They observe their victim paying at the till and gets their card details. When the shopper loads their car, another member of the team distracts them while the fraudster takes the wallet or cards.

He warns that cards are usually used within ten minutes of the theft and the maximum amount possible is withdrawn.