Unlike the usual distraction burglaries, these criminals are asking for assistance from people around or within shopping areas - usually car parks. Whist the kindly member of the public is helping, their money/credit cards inside their cars are being stolen. These distractions can take various forms but commonly being done by using one of the following tactics: Victims reversing out of a parking space and 'bumping' a pedestrian walking by. This is obviously distressing for the victim and whilst ensuring that the 'pedestrian' is alright, the victim's purse/handbag is removed from the car.
A more common used distraction method is a member of the public asking the victim to show them directions on a map and then whilst showing the directions, the victim's handbag/purse is removed from the vehicle.
There are also instances where victims are approached and informed that they have dropped a £10 note and later someone else approaches the victim and informs them that in fact it was their £10 note and not the victims and then demands banking details or money in return. Hampshire Police recommend the following: When shopping, never leave your bag on the trolley unattended When putting shopping away in the boot of your vehicle always ensure your handbag/wallet is with you If you are distracted for even a moment whilst putting shopping away - keep handbags with you or lock them in the vehicle BEFORE speaking/helping anyone. If asked for directions or to look at maps/items - ENSURE you lock personal items in the vehicle first. When filling up with petrol or diesel, lock your vehicle, when it comes to pay, unlock the vehicle, take your payment out, re-lock the vehicle and then go to pay. If your bag has a zip or other way of doing it up - please use it, do not leave purses/wallets on view. If you have helped someone - take a quick look in your bag after to make sure your purse/wallet is still there and the money/cards are still within it - if not call your bank/credit card companies/store card stores immediately to cancel the cards and also call the Police as soon as possible.
Thieves know ALL the tricks, they know ALL the hiding places - you may think that under the seat is hidden or in the boot is ok - it isn't, thieves know where to look - it takes them seconds to relieve you of your goods/money/possessions. Laptops are not safe in the boot, sat navs are not safe in the glove box. Handbags or wallets left on the passenger seat can be whipped away very quickly. |
