DISTRACTION thefts have been taking place in a series of supermarkets across the region, including Salisbury.

In the latest incident, which took place at around 2.30pm on February 12, a woman in her 80s had returned to her vehicle in the Morrisons car park in Warminster, when she was approached by a man who asked her for help.

As she sat in the driver’s seat, he held a note to the window and requested she got out of the car to assist him with a friend who had a medical emergency.

The woman refused to get out of her vehicle, but during the incident someone had taken her bank card from her purse.

She was told the following day by her bank that her debit card had been used to make several purchases in the Bath area to the value of £4,000. All transactions were made using the victim’s PIN number so it is likely the offenders had observed her purchasing shopping in Morrisons.

Similar incidents have also been reported in Salisbury's Tesco Extra, Southampton Road, a Tesco in Swindon, and Morrisons in Chippenham.

PC Sue Ellway said: “We are conducting a number of enquiries in relation to these incidents which have no doubt caused a lot of upset and distress to the victims.

“I’d like to remind shoppers of the importance of ensuring you shield your PIN number when shopping as you never know who may be watching. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and if you see anything suspicious, call police immediately on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”