Local police officers have reported a resurgence in deception thefts, where criminals observe members of the public while they enter their PIN numbers as they pay for their food shopping, and while an accomplice distracts their attention, they steal the person’s bank card.

In once recent incident, a woman had her debit card stolen from within her purse, while she was shopping at a supermarket in Ross-on-Wye. The card was last used on January 14th in the supermarket.

The victim was alerted that money had been taken from her account after she received a letter from her bank, stating £2000 had been withdrawn. If you have any further information about this incident, please report it to the investigating officers, by calling 101, and quoting the reference: 0468-S-190116.

In another similar circumstance, police were called after a man used his bank card in Sainsbury’s, and discovered the card was missing when he also received a letter, stating that large amount of cash had been withdrawn from his account.

He told the police that a woman was asking for change near the trolley bay, prior to the theft of the card. If you have any information about this incident, please report it to the police by calling 101. The reference is: 0212-S-180116.

Police are also asking all local residents to be vigilant; it is so important to shield your pin number when paying for your shopping.

Police are also urging people to be aware of anyone standing close to them and watching as they enter their PIN number at the till point. These people may follow you and distract you (using various methods) and steal your bank cards, having just witnessed your PIN number.

You can also report information to the police anonymously, by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.