POLICE have warned residents to be more vigilant when using cash machines as theft in Droitwich continues to rise.
Police Sergeant Sarah Kent who was at Monday’s Droitwich Town Council Meeting said there are two types of theft taking place in the town.
The first is the ‘traditional’ form of theft where the thief will distract the victim before taking his or her purse.
The second is a more ‘involved’ type of theft where thieves will prey on a victim at a cash machine before pick-pocketing his or her bank card to withdraw money.
She added: “As a team, we are spending a lot of time patrolling supermarkets, speaking with security guards there and to staff to make sure they are aware of the situation.”
Sgt Kent said most of the victims are elderly and while it is not advisable to use a handbag to defend against such invasions – as shown by one case reported by the Standard several weeks ago – it is advisable to carry a purse bell which will sound when pickpockets aim to strike.
