Police are urging people to be vigilant after pensioners were targeted in a string of incidents near Greater Manchester. Officers are investigating a series of ‘distraction thefts’ which took place on four separate car parks.
Cheshire Police says all four incidents took place on Tuesday, April 23. They all involved elderly residents being distracted by the offenders when using their bank cards.
On each occasion, money was stolen from the pensioners’ accounts. The first incident took place at around 11am at Princess Street car park, in Knutsford.
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The next two incidents took place at around 12.30pm, at the Tesco Exchange Street and Churchill Way car parks, both in Macclesfield. Later that day, a fourth such incident followed at the Sainsbury’s car park in Alderley Road, Wilmslow, at around 2pm.
All four incidents involved an unknown man pretending to help people with card transactions – either at a cash machine, or by posing as a traffic warden and saying he would help the individuals purchase a parking ticket. PC Matthew Cox, of Cheshire Police, said: “Enquiries are currently ongoing into this series of distraction thefts and we would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to trace those responsible.
“Please be vigilant when using ATM machines and pay close attention to your surroundings. Don’t be distracted by people trying to talk to you or touch you, and report any suspicious activity to a member of staff wherever you are using the machine.
“If at any point you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction. Similarly, traffic wardens will never ask you to pay them directly for parking tickets or fines.
“Official local authority parking enforcement officers will have identification which you can check to make sure they are genuine. Further crime prevention advice, including how to keep yourself safe when out and about, is available on the Cheshire Police website.”
Any incidents can be reported to police, in Greater Manchester or Cheshire, by calling 101 or online. Always call 999 in an emergency. Anyone with information in connection to Tuesday’s four incidents in Cheshire should contact the force, quoting incident number 24000379533.
Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.
