Two sought over thefts at cash machines
Police are searching for two men in connection with fraud and theft offences at cash machines in Bath. Officers say two men have been working in tandem by “preying on vulnerable women” as they use city centre banks and ATMS. And police now want to identify these men who they believe could help with enquiries. Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “Working as a team, they repeatedly walk separately between banks and ATMS looking for lone older females who are carrying shoulder or open type bags. “They observe these women use the ATM, film the PIN entry on their mobile phones, and watch carefully where the woman then puts the bank card they have used and any cash they have drawn out. “The men then follow their victim on foot, and when one of them then distracts the woman by engaging her in conversation and activity, the other will steal the bank card and any cash from the bag. “This man then goes straight to the nearby ATM to use the bank card, utilising the filmed PIN entry. If the PIN is successful the culprits may go on to fraudulently use the card in nearby shopping outlets. “The men are known to use distraction technique of approaching their victim and saying to them that they are the same size as the offender’s mother, and could the victim help them in choosing a coat of the correct size.” Avon and Somerset police are appealing for the public’s help to find the two men pictured. If you can help, call 101 and give the reference number 5218205884. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.