Scammer who helped steal £3,000 cash from unsuspecting victim jailed

A scammer who distracted an unsuspecting victim to steal £3,000 cash he had withdrawn from an ATM in Warrington town centre has been jailed.

Jesus Martinez was one member of a team of three who worked together to target, follow, distract and steal £3000 from a male in the town centre in June 2024.

The victim had withdrawn money in the Nationwide on Sankey Street, unaware Martinez was watching him. By the time the victim reached The Nat West, a male and female had joined with Martinez. They took advantage of the victim’s good nature, using the ruse that the female needed help with the ATM. Whilst he was trying to help, his money was stolen. The trio left the town, changing their appearance as they went.
The officer investigating collated a large amount of CCTV. He was able to link in with his counterparts in other forces – an officer in Thames Valley recognised Martinez. He was later interviewed in prison and answered NO COMMENT to all questions. He was summonsed to court.
On the 17th December, he pleaded guilty to Theft from the Person and was sentenced to one year in prison – where he is already serving time for a similar offence in Thames Valley.
His two companions remain at large – despite a BBC Crimewatch appeal in October 24.