CCTV images released after string of card thefts in Wakefield and Ossett supermarkets

Offences have occurred within the last fortnight at the Morrisons supermarket in Dewsbury Road, Wakefield; the Asda and Aldi stores in Asdale Road, Durkar, Wakefield; and the Lidl store in Kingsway, Ossett.

It is believed that there are a number of suspects working together to carry out the offences.

One suspect initially observes the victim inputing their PIN at the till and then a pair of suspects work together in the car park, or elsewhere outside the store, by one distracting the victim while the other steals the bank card.

The suspects involved in these offences have all been described as being Eastern European and both men and women who are smartly dressed.

As part of their enquiries, detectives have released CCTV images of two people they are trying to identify to speak to in connection with these offences.

Detective Constable Nick Horn said: “We have had a number of offences reported to us and are reviewing the similar methods used and similarities in the descriptions of the people involved. These individuals are playing on people’s helpful nature by stopping them and asking for directions, all the while distracting the victim sufficiently to allow their accomplice to take their bank card unnoticed.

“We would urge members of the public to be cautious and to also make others aware of these offences. You can protect your PIN by covering the display while entering your details and we would suggest putting your wallet or purse out of view when leaving with your shopping.

“If anyone experiences any suspicious behaviour they are urged to report it to store staff immediately so that it can be properly investigated.”