News Item - News - Surrey Police

Distraction theft at Waitrose car park

Submitted: 14/08/2009 11:20:34

Shoppers should keep a close eye on their valuables

Surrey Police is advising shoppers in Godalming to be on their guard after an elderly man fell victim to a distraction theft which left him £400 out of pocket.

The incident happened at around 11.40am on Saturday, 8 August when the gentleman and his wife were loading their shopping into their car which was parked in the car park at Waitrose. The man was approached by the suspect who asked him if he had lost £10. The victim looked in his wallet to check and the offender then distracted the man by asking him where he was and where he could get a taxi from. The victim then returned to his car and the offender walked off towards Waitrose.

Having thought the whole encounter was odd, the victim checked his wallet as he was leaving the car park and realised that his bank card was missing. When he returned to the store to report the incident to the manager, it transpired that £400 had just been withdrawn from the cash point at Lloyds TSB in Godalming.

The man who spoke to the victim in the car park is described as Central European, around 5ft 5” tall, aged between 27-38 years old, of chunky build and unshaven. He was wearing a shirt and trousers and was carrying a Waitrose bag.

The description of the man withdrawing money at the ATM at Lloyds TSB is that of a white man, aged between 25-35 years old, wearing knee length denim trousers, a black hat and black sunglasses.

Waverley Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Dann said: “It is important to highlight these distraction techniques so residents can be on their guard and take sensible precautions when they are out and about.

"It is believed the offender may have watched the victim as he paid for goods at the checkout, which underlines the importance of covering your pin and being aware of your surroundings when making a transaction.

"Targeting the elderly and vulnerable is a pretty callous thing to do and it’s something we won’t tolerate. This offence took place on a busy Saturday morning and we are hoping that anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information will contact Surrey Police so we can bring the offenders to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference WV/09/4998. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.