Advice For Shoppers Against New Park Distraction Scheme

Shoppers in Avon and Somerset are being advised to be on their guard against thieves in a new car park distraction scheme.

It involves thieves watching shoppers pay for goods at supermarkets and retail outlets to obtain PIN numbers, then preying on momentary lapses of concentration when they return to their vehicles.

PC Stephanie Mitchell said: "After unloading their shopping bags, people have been approached by a man, or a man and a woman, asking for directions. Whilst distracted, an accomplice removes credit cards and purses from handbags that have often been left on the passenger seat of the unlocked car.

"Often the victims – usually women on their own - don't even notice anything is missing until much later."

The most recent incident took place at ASDA, Longwell Green on Tuesday July 12. Police are keen to speak to a man and a woman with Eastern European accents.

The man is described as between 20 and 25 years old, 5ft 4inches tall with a slight build. He was clean shaven with short, dark brown hair, wearing jeans and a jacket.

The woman is described as white, 20 – 25 years old, 5ft 3in tall with a slight build and shoulder length fair hair.

Police are now urging shoppers to take simple precautions to prevent themselves becoming victims.

They advise:

• Always ensure that you do not allow people to see you enter your PIN number when withdrawing money from a cash machine or paying for goods at the counter.

• Ensure your car is locked at all times, even when only walking a short distance from the vehicle (returning a shopping trolley, paying for car park ticket or paying for fuel).

• Do not leave the PIN number, or anything that could be interpreted as a PIN number in your purse, wallet or bag or with your credit/debit cards.

• Be vigilant when you are going shopping, both in the store and outside in the car park.

Police say that if you notice any people acting suspiciously in a car park, especially if in a group of two or more, advise the store security officers or you believe you may have been a victim of a car park scam, contact the police.

Further crime reduction advice is available from the force website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or by contacting your local police station.