Cover
those PIN numbers!
Police in East Cheshire are urging shoppers to think before they
punch their pin number into a chip and pin device.
Not doing so could cost them a small fortune, which banks might
not refund.
DS Andy McGillan said "Over the past few
months we've had four distraction thefts at supermarkets across
the area. Shoppers are unwittingly giving their pin numbers away
by not being vigilant as to who is watching over their shoulder
while they pay at the till. Then when they load their car, leaving their handbag
unattended, a stranger engages them in conversation to distract
them.
"Meanwhile
another person is rooting through the handbag to steal credit and
debit cards. Before the victim even realises their cards are missing,
the thieves are siphoning as much money as they can out of the
victim's account.
"If the bank thinks the
pin number hasn't been protected adequately, the victim may have
to rely on their bank's goodwill to get their money back."
You are urged to ensure that no one is watching
when you punch your pin into the chip and pin device and always
attempt to conceal the number.
DS McGillan added "Also be aware in the car
park. Ensure your bag is secure and keep it with you at all times.
Don't leave it on the car seat or in the trolley while you load
your shopping into the boot."
The offenders, who are thought to be eastern European,
are believed to be working in groups. In the past few months
they have targeted Wilmslow, Crewe and Nantwich.
DS McGillan said "Anyone who sees someone
acting suspiciously in a supermarket and its car park should contact
police on 0845 458 0000. While we make every effort to hunt
down the offenders and bring them to justice, we would urge everyone
to be extra vigilant at the till."
Thank you,
JANE THIRSK
Watch Officer
Cheshire Police
Other forms of distraction burglary are
listed here.
Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Team 0845 458 6371
Police non-emergency number: 101
Other Homewatch pages of current relevance: Briefs (recent
crimes in the Macclesfield Division including Bollington, Kerridge
and Pott Shrigley).
If you haven't looked at the homewatch pages before we recommend
looking at the homewatch home page.
