Stay alert and protect your valuables this summer in #StAlbans district

A man and a woman have been targeted by fraudsters in two separate incidents in St Albans city centre recently.

A man got £1,500 in cash out on 22 July from Barclays bank. A woman aged in her 50s was in the bank near the couple at the time. The man was later distracted by another man whilst he was getting his wife, who uses a wheelchair, into the car parked in Adelaide Street. He is described as a white man, aged 40-50, with a Eastern European accent. He is believed to have had a round face, thin hair and he was wearing grey clothing (possibly a tracksuit). 

In a separate incident, between 11.30am to 12 midday on 11 July, a woman was getting cash out of the cash machine in Morrisons in Hatfield Road, when she was distracted by a man who placed a sheet of paper over the machine and said it wasn’t working. The card was then used several times, including at the post office, across the road, and a payment was attempted for £1,199 in Argos – fortunately, this payment was refused.  

Work is ongoing, including CCTV enquiries, to identify the people responsible, but please be aware of people around you and keep an eye out for elderly or vulnerable residents. High-visibility and covert patrols regularly take place in the city centre and across the district. 

Take these simple steps to reduce the risk of theft and distraction burglaries.

Keep your phone, wallet and cash secure in a zipped or buttoned pocket and close to your body.

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and when using ATMs.

Never leave your purse, wallet or handbag in a shopping trolley, buggy or mobility walker while shopping.

Look out for elderly and vulnerable people who may be targeted by offenders.

Avoid placing large amounts of cash or valuables on the passenger seat of your vehicle. Be extra cautious if approached by strangers after visiting a bank.

If you notice anything suspicious, report it online at www.herts.police.uk/report or call 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always call 999.