Warning over bank card distraction thefts

Residents in Hertsmere are being urged to be vigilant following a recent spate of bank card thefts in local car parks. 

Suspects have been approaching vulnerable and older members of the public in car parks or pay and display parking bays on local roads. They have then been instructing victims to use a card machine or pay and display machine before distracting them and taking their bank card. The suspects have been able to steal money by telling the victims that they need to say their pins numbers out loud to the machines. 

There have been reports in the following locations:

The Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out plain clothes patrols in the area in response to the reports and have also visited the local shops and businesses to make them aware. 

PC Luke Hinchcliffe, from the Bushey and Radlett Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re carrying out extensive enquiries to find those responsible and we’re urging residents to be vigilant. If you are approached under suspicious circumstances and believe a crime is in action, please call 999. If the suspects have left the scene please call the non-emergency number 101.

“If you have information about these incidents, please get in touch. I’d also like to ask that you please share this message with any older relatives and friends.”

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency, or if you suspect a crime is in action, please call 999.