‘Followed home by card thieves’

Victims targeted at shopping centres

A WOMAN was “followed home” from a shopping centre by thieves, it has emerged.

The incident was part of a distraction theft which has prompted police to issue warnings to the public.

PSNI Lisburn said: “We have had some cases in the last couple of days – both have taken place in busy shopping centre car parks.

“Both involve the victim taking out money from a cash point and it would seem one of the accomplices has been watching closely and sees the PIN number that was used.

“The victim then heads back to their car and puts their handbag into the

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vehicle before getting in. Another person has approached them and distracted them for a few minutes looking for directions. Their card is removed from their handbag and used immediately to make a maximum cash withdrawal with the victim none the wiser to what has happened.

“We also have another incident where a lady withdrew money in Forestside and again there was an attempt to distract her.

“They were unsuccessful but it would appear they may have followed her home and used a technique to get into her car as she unpacked the shopping. The cash card was then used at an ATM in Comber.

“Please be careful when using ATMS and report suspicious activity to 101.”