Distraction thefts in Henley

A SERIES of distraction thefts over the past week have prompted police to remind the public to be alert when approached by complete strangers talking about bank cards and lost money.

In Henley High Street an elderly woman was approached by a female who said that she had dropped £10. While the lady was checking her purse it is thought that the female managed to take out a bank card during a distraction. The card was later used to withdraw money from the bank. The offender is described as a white female, foreign accent, aged in her 30's, wearing a navy blue raincoat with the hood up. The offence occurred at 3pm Thursday 16th June.

On the same day and approximately 30 minutes later in Bear Lane, just off High Street, Henley. A woman was approached by a female asking if she could show her how to use a bank card in the cash point.

The female asked the lady to show her using her own card. Fortunately the lady realised this was suspicious and refused to help further. Female described as a white female, 30s, glasses, European accent, scruffy looking.

Fifteen minutes later in Henley High Street a member of the public was approached by a female asking to change some money. This female then went on to say that they had dropped £5 on the floor. While the member of the public had their wallet out checking, bank cards were taken during a distraction. The bank cards were cancelled before they could be used. Offender described as a white female, 20s, eastern European brown hair, wearing jeans and a blue jacket.

If you have any questions or information regarding the above, please contact the Team direct, use the 101 non-emergency number or use the contact details on the Warwickshire Police website.