ELDERLY and vulnerable people have been warned to watch out for a gang of thieves who target supermarket shoppers.

They watch for their PIN numbers while they paying for shopping and then afterwards attempt to steal their purses and bank cards.

The warning came after thieves spent £4,000 after stealing an elderly woman’s bank debit card in a distraction theft at Morrisons in Warminster.

Police warned elderly and vulnerable residents to be vigilant following a spate of distraction thefts in supermarket car parks in Chippenham, Salisbury, Swindon and Warminster in recent weeks.

In the latest incident, which took place at 2.30pm on Wednesday February 12, a woman in her 80s returned to her vehicle in the Morrisons car park in Warminster having done her shopping.

Officers said she was approached by a man who asked her for help.

As she sat in the driver’s seat, he held a note to the window and requested she got out of the car to assist him with a friend who had a medical emergency.

It is not believed the man spoke English.

The woman refused to get out of her vehicle but during the incident, and unbeknown to her, someone had taken her bank debit card from her purse which was on the front passenger seat.

She was alerted the following day by her bank that her debit card had been used to make several large purchases in the Bath area to the value of £4,000.

All transactions were made using the victim’s PIN number so it is likely the offenders had observed her purchasing her shopping in Morrisons.

Enquiries are ongoing but similar incidents have also been reported at the Tesco supermarket in County Way, Swindon, Morrisons in Chippenham and Tesco Extra in Bourne Way, Salisbury.

PC Sue Ellway said: “We are conducting a number of enquiries in relation to these incidents which have no doubt caused a lot of upset and distress to the victims.

“I’d like to remind shoppers of the importance of ensuring you shield your PIN number when shopping as you never know who may be watching.

“Be aware of your surroundings at all times and if you see anything suspicious, call police immediately on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

In Swindon, police said elderly people have been targeted in supermarket car parks by a gang of leg injury con artists intent on stealing their purses.

Police have urged victims of the gang to come forward. They said the gang would watch elderly or vulnerable women type in their bank PIN number into supermarket ATMs or at store checkouts.

The women would then be approached at their car by a man wearing a knee or leg brace asking her for directions to the nearest hospital.

As the woman types the details for the hospital into the man’s phone a second man snatches the victim’s bank cards from out of her car. The cards are then used to drain the woman’s account of cash.

Det Sgt Alex Spargo, of Wiltshire Police community tasking team, said: "Victims may not have reported crimes such as these as they may feel foolish for having been taken in by such a ruse but these men appear very credible using medical props to assist in their deception.

"If you have been victim of a crime, like this, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can assist you.

"Likewise, I would ask the wider public to be vigilant to crimes such as this and always report suspicious activity.

"Remember, never leave your car unlocked, your handbag unattended and always be aware of your surroundings and those who may try to distract you from your everyday tasks."