West Berkshire residents warned of distraction crimes

Thames Valley Police urge public to be on guard

WEST Berkshire residents are being warned to be on their guard in supermarket car parks and at ATM machines following an increase in distraction crimes across the Thames Valley.

Whilst there have not been any recent incidents reported in West Berkshire Thames Valley Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and to call the police should they see anyone acting in a suspicious manner or become a victim of this type of crime.

Incidents at ATM machines and car parks have involved ketcup being squirted on the back of the victims jacket to distract them and telling the victim they have dropped some money on the floor and swapping their bank card when they have bent to pick the money up.

The numbers to call are 101 in a non-emergency and 999 if a crime is being committed.