We’re urging residents to remain vigilant following two reports of distraction theft in #HemelHempstead yesterday (Wednesday 26 March).

It was reported that a woman was approached by an unknown male and female in Cotterells at around 2pm, who asked her for directions before walking off.

The victim was then alerted by her bank that a transaction had been declined but that cash had already been withdrawn from her account. Her card wallet was discovered missing.

Around an hour or so later, an elderly man was approached by an unknown male and female in the car park of Tesco at Jarman Park. They began asking him for directions before walking off. It was then discovered that the victim’s wallet was missing from his pocket, and that cash had been withdrawn from his account.

Enquiries are continuing to confirm descriptions of the suspects in order to trace them, including a review of any CCTV opportunities.

In the meantime, we’d advise members of the public to please remain vigilant if approached by someone you don’t know.

Check your surroundings before using a cash or payment machine to ensure you’re not being watched and be sure to shield your PIN.

Make sure that purses, wallets and cash are kept at the bottom of a zipped bag or in a closed pocket that cannot be easily accessed. Never leave them unattended.

Please share this advice with friends and relatives to help spread the word.

If you witness any suspicious activity, please alert shop staff and police straight away, calling 999 in an emergency.

You can report any information online at https://orlo.uk/yvgRD, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at https://orlo.uk/A4rNj or call the non-emergency number 101.

If you have any questions, please press ‘Reply’ at the bottom of this message to get in touch with us directly. I am always happy to discuss any concerns you may have. 

As always, thank you for reading. 

Kind regards

James