Dear Resident

Between 15:10pm and 15:20pm on the 7th January a distraction Theft has taken place at Tesco's Bishops Park, Bishops Stortford.

The male offender has approached the reporting person in the Car park stating they had dropped a ten pound note and given it back to him shaking his hand. When the reporting person has returned home they have realised a transaction has been attempted with their bank card, and their wallet is missing from their pocket.

Please be aware of if anyone approaches you stating the above, also if you are returning your shopping trolley to the allocated bays ensure your person property is out of site,  and is locked and secured in your vehicle. 

Please contact the police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime number 41/2254/25 if you or your neighbours have any information relating to this crime. Alternatively, you can give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please be vigilant and do report any suspicious activity or behaviour in the area.

Be alert

Pick pockets operate in pairs and use a distraction technique, be aware of who is around you and who is approaching you.

We know it’s not always easy, but try to be aware of anyone near you when you’re at an ATM. Being aware of your surroundings and not being distracted makes it harder for people to take advantage and less likely that they’ll try to.

Thieves will watch as you key in your PIN or distract you while you’re withdrawing cash. Be vigilant. Cover your PIN and keep an eye on your card at all times. If someone taps you on the shoulder or tries to speak to you, just ignore them.

When you've left the ATM, put your card away immediately.

You should also be careful with contactless cards. You can get a card holder to prevent your card details being inadvertently read.