Pensioner targeted by ATM thieves

Left shaken by incident

AN elderly man who appeared “confused” at a bank in Ruislip High Street was targeted by three men who stole cash from his account.

The victim, who is in his 70s, was approached by the men who offered to help him because he looked to be in difficulty while trying to use the cash machine.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the victim believes the men said his card had been swallowed by the Barclays Bank cashpoint, so he went inside and approached staff for help.

While he was inside, the suspects withdrew cash from the machine, and then went into the bank and withdrew even more money.

Investigating officer DC Darren Roe, said: “This was a despicable crime that left the victim very shaken.

“Although violence was not used, thankfully, he is obviously now affected by what has happened and it has left him feeling particularly vulnerable.”

The shocking theft in broad daylight happened at the bank in Ruislip High Street at the corner with King Edwards Road.

It is a busy stretch of the road with a KFC restaurant next door and a bathstore opposite.

Staff have since returned the money to the victim’s account and there have been no arrests.

Barclays recommend that customers never let anyone distract them while using a card, even if they appear to be helpful.

The advice is for people to be wary if someone is looking over their shoulder, or if someone says something distracting as they may be trying to get your pin.

The bank also recommends never letting anyone take their card away for a transaction.

Hillingdon Police is investigating the incident which happened at around midday on Saturday November 12 and anyone with information is asked to call 101.