Police Warn Shoppers After £1,800 Bank Card Theft in Romsey
Hampshire Police have issued a stark warning after an 84-year-old man fell victim to a distraction theft in Romsey. The scam saw the man lose £1,800 after a woman tricked him while he was out shopping.
Shocking Scam on Latimer Walk
The incident happened around 3pm on Sunday, January 13, near Waitrose on Latimer Walk. The elderly man was tapped on the shoulder by a woman who claimed he had dropped £10. When he pulled out his wallet to check, she quickly walked away. It was only later he discovered his bank card was stolen and someone had withdrawn a staggering £1,800 from multiple cash machines.
Police Describe The Suspect
- White female, aged 35 to 45
- About 5ft 2ins tall and slim build
- Unkempt hair and dirty fingernails
- Wore dark clothing
Warning and Safety Tips from Hampshire Police
Officers have boosted patrols in Romsey town centre and are distributing posters packed with crime prevention advice:
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at cash machines
- Always shield your PIN when using ATMs
- Be cautious if strangers approach you, especially with ‘lost money’ stories
- Keep wallets and purses close; don’t flash them in front of strangers
- Never hand over money to strangers, no matter the offer
Have You Seen Her?
Anyone with information on the incident or who has experienced a similar scam is urged to contact Romsey police on 101, quoting reference 44160102690. For emergencies, always dial 999. You can also provide information anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
