Couple faking good deeds to steal bank cards (From This Is Local London)

Eastern European couple stealing bank cards from Leatherhead shoppers by faking 'act of kindness'

11:00am Sunday 17th March 2013 in News By Hardeep Matharu

An Eastern European couple is stealing bank cards from supermarket shoppers by pretending to do them an act of kindness.

Surrey police have warned people to be vigilant after a spate of thefts in the last month where thieves have approached shoppers, usually near a cash machine.

Victims are told they have dropped a £10 note and are urged to take it back, but this is really a ploy to distract them while the second mugger steals their bank card.

Two of the areas where they have been operating are outside Tesco on Oxshott Road, Leatherhead, and Sainsbury’s in Leatherhead High Street.

The thieves in both incidents were a white woman and a white man, both speaking with a Eastern European accent.

Detective Constable Errol Chetty said: "I would urge people to remain vigilant and to simply walk away if someone approaches you suggesting you have dropped money which you know you haven’t.

"I would also ask people to look out for the most vulnerable members of our society as they may be targeted more by such offenders."

Anyone who information should call the police on 101, quoting reference RB/13/1788, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.