Gang blamed for distraction thefts in Shoreham and Worthing

Since January there have been 23 distraction crimes, with supermarkets in Shoreham and Worthing among those targeted.

Police believe one gang could be responsible as the same method was used in 18 of the cases.

Victims are followed around the supermarket and watched when they use their debit or credit cards.

They are then approached and asked for directions to the nearest hospital.

While they show them the route on the map another suspect steals cards from the victim's car and withdrawals are made from a nearby cash machine.

Thefts

Another method is for a man to approach a victim claiming he has seen them drop 10.

When they check their wallets he steals cards.

The number of thefts has risen sharply with three in January, six in February and 14 in March. Sixteen have taken place in Tesco car parks.

The victims are predominantly middle-aged to elderly women with the offences taking place mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 3pm.

Carefull

Police believe the suspects are foreign, with descriptions indicating at least two main offenders.

The ages of the men range from 20 to 40 years old and all have short dark hair.

The woman is believed to be eastern European or Asian, aged 20 to 30 years old, with long dark hair.

Up to seven different vehicles have been identified as being used in the offences but the most common report is of a beige or fawn coloured vehicle.

Police are warning people to be cautious about unexpected approaches while out shopping, especially around supermarkets.

Anyone with any information should call 0845 6070999 quoting 1055 of 16/03.

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