Card thieves target shopping women

Police say six distraction thefts have occurred at West Yorkshire supermarkets since May 11. They think the same gang could be involved – using a purple Vauxhall Vectra, registration WV51 AZF .

In each incident, a lone middle-aged woman has been targeted by a group of what are thought to be Eastern Europeans, including a woman.

Gang members loiter near tills so they can note the PIN numbers. They then follow victims to their cars and watch them unload their shopping.

At this point, an accomplice in a car pulls up behind the victim and asks for directions, often using a map as an extra distraction. While this is happening, another accomplice removes cards from purses left on passenger seats.

The incidents have taken place at Tesco Extra in Seacroft, Leeds, Sainsbury's in Colton and at Morrisons in Wetherby. as well as in Knottingley and Heckmondwike

The latest theft took place on Friday, also at Sainsbury's in Colton retail park.