Police give ‘hugging scam’ alert

Policeareraisingawareness of a ‘hugging scam’, after an elderly woman had her purse stolen from outside a supermarket in Chichester.

The victim, aged 88, was approached by an unknown woman as she got out of a taxi outside Waitrose in Via Ravenna, said police.

She was hugged by the stranger, who said, ‘welcome to Waitrose’, and in doing so stole the pensioner’s purse containing cash and cards, police said.

Investigations revealed attempts to use the cards at nearby Tesco Extra, in Fishbourne Road East, but the attempts were unsuccessful.

The incident occurred around 2.10pm on Saturday, February 23, and police believe it may be linked to an organised crime group.

It is also possible other similar incidents have occurred which have not been reported.

If you’ve been the victim of this scam, report it online on the Sussex Police website.

Or call 101, quoting serial 126 of 27/02.