From: kcm.southkent@kent.pnn.police.uk
Sent: 17 September 2009 16:00
Kent police in Folkestone and Ashford have issued a warning to cash point users following reports of two thefts.
On 16.9.2009 at around 15.15hrs a 66 year-old woman was using the cash point at the Nat West, High Street Ashford.
She had just typed in her PIN number when two people started to wave magazines in her face
and over the screen of the cash point machine whilst asking for money, before leaving her alone and walking up towards East Hill.
At this point the woman realised that cash had been taken from the machine and
she reported this to the back who confirmed that money had been taken from her account.
The two people are described as Asian in appearance, male, aged between 37-40, 5'9" tall, short black hair,
unshaven, round face and wearing a yellow top, and Asian in appearance, female, aged between 37-40, 5'2" tall,
dark shoulder length hair, possibly wearing glasses, wearing a dark navy blue top.
The second incident happened between 16.10-16.30hrs at the cash point outside Tesco stores in Cheriton High Street.
A 39 year-old man had just typed his PIN number into the cash machine,
when a woman thrust a magazine across his hands, blocking his sight of the machine and appeared to be begging.
The man became aware of a second person, who also had a magazine which was pushed into his face.
The store security guard approached, and the two left the area.
Shortly afterwards, following enquiries at the bank, the man realised that cash had been taken from his account.
The couple are described as eastern European in appearance, and the woman was said to be between 17-20 years-old, and had dark hair possibly pulled back from her face and secured. The man was in his late 20s-early 30s and of eastern European appearance.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has information regarding these incidents to contact South Kent police on 01303 289180.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 55111.
When using a cash point machine always be aware of who is around you. Cover your pin number and stay close to the machine during the transaction. Always keep your PIN number safe, and cover the keyboard whilst inputting it. If distracted by someone while the transaction in on going, cover the keyboard to prevent them accessing the keys and making a transaction on your account. If you suspect that you have been a victim of this type of theft, contact your bank immediately
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