A WOMAN was the victim of distraction theft just moments after using a town centre cash machine.

The woman, who is in her 60s, was on Edith Walk, Great Malvern when her credit card was stolen at about 2.30pm on Friday and used for a number of transactions totalling more than £300.

The incident happened shortly after she withdrew money from Barclay’s Bank, Worcester Road.

A couple stopped her to ask if she had dropped a £10 they were holding and the man kept touching or putting his hands above her purse while she checked.

Having found she hadn’t lost any money, they asked her to change it for two £5 notes and as she reopened her purse the man again got close and touched her purse.

PC Heather Leech, from Malvern police station, said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who may have information about this incident, or anyone who believes they may have been targeted in a similar way recently either in Malvern or elsewhere.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that they should remain alert at all times and pay attention to their personal safety whenever they are out and about.

“While these incidents are not common, they do occur on a regular basis throughout Worcestershire. We advise that people take precautions to ensure personal belongings are always kept safe and within sight.

“As in this case, it only takes a split second for a skilled opportunist thief to strike and therefore if you are suspicious of someone’s behaviour, do not tolerate it and put your personal security first.”

The man was described as being white, in his late 20s, 5ft 6ins, slim and had short brown hair with a side parting. He was wearing jeans and a jacket.

The woman was also white, in her 20s, 5ft 6ins, and slim. She was wearing jeans, a grey jacket and a grey woollen hat, and had a black mark on an upper tooth.

Both were described as scruffy and spoke poor English.

Anyone with information should call police, quoting reference number 134N 01/03/13, on the non-emergency number 101.