Thieves steal cash in ruse on shop floor
A woman was targeted by thieves moments after she had withdrawn money from a bank.
The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Thursday, November 29.
The 38-year-old victim had withdrawn a quantity of cash from a bank in Granby Street, Leicester, and entered a shop in Gallowtree Gate when she was approached by a man who claimed she had a mark on the back of her coat.
A second man then appeared and offered her a tissue.
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Both men then left, and the victim later discovered the money had been taken from her handbag.
Footage captured by CCTV cameras showed a further man and a woman remove the money from the victim's handbag while she was being distracted by the first two men.
Pcso Richard Allured, of the city centre neighbourhood beat team, said: "Our inquiries have so far confirmed that one of the men was in the bank at the same time as the victim, and we believe witnessed her withdrawing this money."
He added: "We would like to use this opportunity to remind people to be cautious when withdrawing large sums of money from a bank or building society."
Police have issued the following tips that people should bear in mind when withdrawing cash from a bank: never leave your bag containing the money unattended; be wary of someone standing extremely close to you or in a suspicious distracting manner; separate the money into smaller bundles and place in separate, secure sections of your bag.
Police have issued images of people they would like to speak to about the incident.
Anyone who recognises any of the people pictured is asked to contact Pcso Allured on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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