An Ashbourne resident was recently subjected to a simple yet effective scam whilst out shopping at Tescos in Uttoxeter. Payment was made for items at the cigarette kiosk and two different cards were used. The resident then went to the car park, placed her handbag on the passenger seat and the other items purchased in the boot. The car was then locked and the trolley returned to the nearby trolley park.
On returning to the car and unlocking it, a female of eastern European appearance suddenly appeared by her side and asked for directions, waving a road map about. These were given before getting in the car and driving off. Fortunately, the resident went immediately to the petrol station and on paying for her fuel noticed that the two cards she had used in Tescos were missing from her purse. The cards were cancelled but whilst doing so, the offenders were taking several hundred pounds from the accounts using the cash machines on site.
It is believed that the female asking for directions was a distraction whilst an accomplice entered the car from the passenger side and removed the cards from her purse. Everything else was left, giving the offenders more time to use the cash machines before the theft was discovered. They must have been stood nearby when the cards were used and noted the PIN numbers as they were put in.
Please be extra vigilant.
Thank you. PC 1288 Bointon, Ashbourne Police Station
PARWICH.ORG 
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