Thieves target shoppers in supermarket car parks with distraction tactic (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Thieves target shoppers in supermarket car parks with distraction tactic

2:38pm Friday 5th February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves targeted motorists in supermarket car parks in Reigate and Hookwood this week.

The culprits used distractions to carry out the thefts of credit and debit cards and a wallet.

The first incident happened on Tuesday at 1.30pm, when a woman who was loading her car with shopping bags in Morrisons car park in Bell Street, Reigate, was beckoned by another driver.

A black Mercedes had parked in front of her car, blocking her exit, and its driver asked her for directions to the nearest hospital.

But when the woman returned to her car she realised her credit and debit cards had been stolen.

The cards were used ten minutes later to withdraw hundreds of pounds from her bank account, and to buy £500 worth of men's clothing.

Police said the suspect was a white eastern European man, aged in his mid-40s, stocky, with cropped dark hair, and was driving an old black Mercedes.

The second incident happened the following day between 11.30am and 11.50am, 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 woman's attention.

When she approached the car, its driver asked for directions to the nearest hospital.

But as the victim got back in her car she noticed her passenger door was open 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.”

She said: "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.”

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference number RB/10/1076, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)