Appeal for witnesses following distraction style thefts
Submitted: 05/02/2010 14:13:35
Appeal for witnesses following distraction style thefts
Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses following two distraction style thefts in which motorists were targeted in supermarket car parks in Reigate and Hookwood.
The first incident happened at 1.30pm on Tuesday, 2 February, as a lady was loading her car with shopping bags in Morrisons, Bell Street, car park she was beckoned by the driver of another vehicle.
A black Mercedes had parked in front of her car, blocking her exit, and the driver was asking the victim for directions to the nearest hospital. When the lady returned to her car she realised her credit and debit cards had been stolen. The cards were used 10-minutes later to withdraw hundreds of pounds from her bank account and to purchase £500 worth of men’s clothing.
The suspect is described as a white eastern European man, aged in his mid 40s, stocky build with cropped dark hair. He was driving an old black Mercedes.
The second incident happened sometime between 11.30am and 11.50am on Wednesday, 3 February, when a shopper returned to her car parked in Tesco car park, Reigate Road, Hookwood. A black Mercedes blocked her exit and the driver beeped the horn to get the victim’s attention. When the lady approached the vehicle the driver asked for directions to the nearest hospital. As the victim got back in her car she noticed her passenger door was ajar and her wallet was missing.
Investigating officer PC Siobhan Gleeson said: “We are looking into potential CCTV opportunities from Morrisons car park which will hopefully show us the black Mercedes and those responsible for these thefts.
“Clearly the same suspects are targeting shoppers in the area and we are reminding people to remain vigilant at all times as these suspects could try to distract others.
“It is so important shoppers do not get distracted when loading or unloading their vehicles and always keep your valuables securely locked away.
“I am asking people to think back and if you were in either of the supermarket car parks on those days please come forward and provide me with the information I need in order to bring the people responsible to justice.”
Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number RB/10/1076 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Ends JD/47/10
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