Police in Harrow have warned members of the public about a number of distraction thefts that have happened at cash machines.
Distraction thefts involve drawing a person’s attention under a false pretext, thieves use a variety of ways to do this. It is often during a time when another accomplice will attempt to steal valuables and money from the unsuspecting victim, in these cases in Harrow they have been at ATM machines.
In a tweet, Roxeth Police posted: “Reports of distraction thefts at the cash machine outside Barclays Bank Northolt Road. Please be very careful if people start trying to talk to you when you are withdrawing cash. We will be patrolling there over the next few day.”
There are also things people can do to help protect themselves from these criminals including –
– Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
– Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended in public places.
– Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive items, like mobile phones, could attract unwanted attention.
– Keep mobile phones out of view, in your pocket or bag, not on top of the table where you are sat.
(Image Credit: Google Maps)
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
