SHOPPERS in Bromsgrove and Redditch are being urged to be on their guard after a number of distraction thefts at cashpoints in the two towns.
On May 5, West Mercia Police received four calls about separate interests outside the transaction machines in the two towns and officers are now urgning any other victims to come forward and report the crimes.
Just before 10.30am, a woman was attempting to use a cashpoint outside Lloyds Bank on Church Green East, Redditch when a man stole £500 by reportedly using distraction tactics as she withdrew money.
He was of slim build, wearing at different times either a face covering or a cap.
Officers are also investigating after a man reported he had been a victim of distraction fraud at the cashpoint outside Morrisons in Redditch between 10am and 11am before reporting it to his bank.
A further call was then made to police at around 1.30pm from a man who reported that a thief had stolen £800 as he attempted to use the cashpoint outside Morrisons in Bromsgrove.
The man was in his 20s and was wearing a mask, dark blue anorak and black joggers.
Officers are also investigating another report from a woman after her bank card was stolen outside Barclays on Bromsgrove High Street just after 11am.
Officers want anyone with information on any of the incidents or anyone who has also fallen victim to similar distraction thefts to email the information to westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/
Alternatively, information can be passed via Crimestoppers by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111.