Spate of thefts after shoppers distracted by thieves in supermarket car parks across Northamptonshire

Shoppers are being urged to be vigilant after more than 30 incidents where victims have been distracted by someone asking for directions in supermarket car parks across the county.

“What is particularly concerning is that the offenders appear to have identified their victim in the store or at the cash point, have watched them enter their PIN and then followed them to their vehicle.

“The offenders then attempt to steal the bank card using this distraction technique and, if successful, use the card to withdraw money or make fraudulent purchases.

“In many of the incidents, the victim has not realised they have been a victim of crime until they have got home or the offenders have attempted to use the stolen cards.”

Of the 32 crimes reported since May, there were 10 in Northampton, eight in Kettering, five in Towcester, four in Wellingborough, three in Corby and two in Daventry.

For the full story please go to Daventry Express