Two Women Snatch Bank Card After Fake Directions Scam in Tunbridge Wells
In a bold daylight robbery, two women with foreign accents struck in Calverley Park Gardens around 10am on Monday, April 3, 2023. They stopped a man, pretending to ask for directions — but soon after, the victim discovered his bank card was missing.
When he called his bank, alarm bells rang: someone had tried to drain cash from the card at a town centre cash machine, but the attempt failed.
Detective Warns Shoppers to Stay Sharp
Detective Inspector Rik Spicer issued a stark warning to the public: “While these crimes are rare in Tunbridge Wells, our officers remain vigilant. Shoppers must stay on guard and avoid falling prey to sneaky opportunist thieves.”
Top Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim
- Keep wallets zipped or buttoned securely in your pockets.
- Never leave handbags unattended on prams, shopping trolleys, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters.
- Be wary of pairs working together — if one stranger asks for directions, watch out for a second thief trying to swipe your valuables.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
If you have any information about this theft, call Tunbridge Wells police on 01622 604100 quoting reference number 4-708.
You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
