Tesco St Peter's thieves target older man at cashpoint

The incident happened at Tesco in St Peter's, Worcester at 12.50pm on Sunday, June 19 when £250 was stolen from the victim's account while he used a cashpoint.

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Now officers from West Mercia Police are warning others in Worcester to remain vigilant and to keep an eye on who is standing near them.

If in doubt or suspicious of anyone around them, they are advised to cancel any transaction.

We have had reports of distractions at ATM's leading to people being scammed and cards being stolen. Please be aware of those around you when using ATM's and report any suspicious behaviour using 101. #policingpromise

— Gorse Hill & Rainbow Hill SNT (@gorsehillsnt) June 22, 2022

Inspector Fergus Green for Worcester Safer Neighbour Team described the incident as a distraction theft which took place while the man was using the cash machine near the front of the store.

THEFT: The cash was stolen from an older man using this cashpoint at St Peter's Tesco

Inspector Green said the thief convinced the man the machine had swallowed his card, managing to get the card and pin and then withdraw the money.

He said officers were now examining CCTV of the offenders and other evidence to locate the offenders.

Inspector Green said: "I would remind people at cash points to be conscious of who is around them and aware of the potential scam.

"It would appear this is a nationally known scam. If you are unhappy with who is around you, please cancel the transaction. In this case it was an older gentleman who was targeted."

Those with information about the scam can contact West Mercia Police on 101 or report the matter via the online hub.

The Crime Prevention Website suggests people are always aware of those around them and always be suspicious of people talking to you.