POLICE in Warrington are renewing appeals for witnesses and information after an elderly woman had her cash card and £800 stolen in the town centre.
At around 1.30pm on Saturday 24 February an elderly woman attended a branch of Halifax bank, on Buttermarket Street, Warrington, and attempted to withdraw money from a cashpoint outside.
During the transaction at the cashpoint, the woman’s cash card was not returned, and she was then approached by an unknown man who had been loitering with another man nearby.
The man advised the woman that the cash machine was not working and to raise this issue with inside bank.
Once the woman entered the bank, the man approached the cash machine and successfully obtained her card. This has been used to withdraw £800 from her account.
He, along with the second man, then left the area on foot in the direction of Golden Square.
In recent weeks, similar incidents have been reported to other forces across the country including in Greater Manchester, South Wales and West Mercia. While it is not yet confirmed that these incidents are linked, officers are keeping an open mind and are exploring multiple lines of enquiry.
Police Constable Graham Davies, of Warrington Town Centre Beat Team, said: “We are determined to establish the identities of those involved in this very distressing crime and make them face the consequences of their actions.
“Current evidence suggests that the two men pictured could be from anywhere in the country and may be linked to a wider organised crime group who visit locations outside of their own areas and deliberately target vulnerable and elderly people.
“If you think you recognise these men, please call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML-1764011, give us the details via our website or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
