Romford shoppers warned after distraction thief targets the elderly
Romford Shopping Hall - Credit: Archant
Police have said the thief has been conning senior citizens by saying that they dropped money on the floor.
Romford Police has issued a warning to elderly shoppers after a distraction thief has been targeting senior citizens and conning them by saying they had dropped money on the floor.
A letter sent by Romford Town SNT to Romford Shopping Hall said that a man had been approaching residents with a £10 or £20 note in his hand, and telling them that they had just dropped the money on the floor.
As they open their purse or wallet the man then takes their bank cards and runs off.
Before the cards are cancelled money has been withdrawn from their account.
You may also want to watch:
Officers said that two 65-year-old victims had both been targeted in one week - between Monday, July 30 and Sunday, August 5 - and both incidents were in Romford town centre.
A spokesman from Romford SNT said: “If you are approached by anyone stating you have dropped some money do not be tempted to take it from them.
Most Read
- 1 Teenager injured after Hornchurch stabbing
- 2 Rainham robbery: Boy, 14, suffers slash injury
- 3 Farnham and Hilldene Estate regeneration plans gather pace
- 4 Kem Cetinay officially opens Array restaurant in Harold Wood
- 5 Guilty: Who was jailed across east London in July?
- 6 Plans submitted to install 5G mast near Gallows Corner
- 7 'Prisoners in our own homes': Hornchurch residents left without lifts
- 8 Chronically ill Romford man's fight for diagnosis after being told problem is psychological
- 9 Collier Row grandma crochets letterbox topper to 'make community smile'
- 10 Romford's Jesy Nelson included in Little Mix display at Madame Tussauds
“We would ask people to follow the crime prevention advise on the bottom of the letter, call us at the time on 999 or 101 if reported later.”
