Police Caution Public After String of Distraction Thefts

A police agency is advising individuals to exercise caution with their personal items, following a series of distraction thefts that have occurred in supermarket parking areas. Wiltshire Police reported that these thefts recently transpired in Chippenham, Melksham, and Devizes, primarily targeting elderly and disabled individuals. In every instance, victims were confronted by an individual impersonating a charity representative, who subsequently diverted their attention and stole funds. Police Constable Mark Giles of Wiltshire Police stated: “We are asking for people to be on their guard in supermarket car parks and report any suspicious behaviour to us.” He added: “The offenders seem to be targeting vulnerable customers, using disabled bays and then taking advantage of their good nature supporting charities to distract them.”