Shoppers in Thornbury have been warned to be on their guard after a case of distraction theft last Saturday. An elderly woman in her eighties was out shopping in the town and was followed back home. When the woman got back to her house, this person got into the passenger seat and asked her for directions to London.

The elderly lady gave her the directions but realised after he had left that her credit cards were missing. Some time later, the woman received a phone call from a man claiming to be from her bank, who wanted to check her PIN.

PC Neil Whyman, from Thornbury Police Station, has stated that even though such incidents are a rarity, it is important for people to be vigilant while they are shopping. He has also advised the shoppers to keep their bags and purses close to themselves in a secure manner. Whyman has also asked the shoppers to not leave any of their items unattended or on display. He has stated that all female drivers should ensure that the doors to their cars are locked in a secure manner.

The police are trying to trace the pilferer who is identified as a white man, with a foreign accent, 5ft 7ins tall, slim build, in his mid-20s with short, dark hair and wearing a jacket, collar and tie.