THAMES Valley Police are warning Wokingham people to be on the alert as distraction thieves are operating in the area.
Two men wearing hi-visibility jackets were in the Emmbrook estate, claiming to be from the water board.
They targeted an older woman, claiming she had a large water leak, and they wanted to trace it.
The victim let them look in the loft and garage.
They then asked for her contact details, and called her a few minutes later saying the leak was coming from a garden hose that had been left running – it wasn’t.
Her phone then didn’t work for a couple of days, and the water company did not know about the visiting men.
Police say it is important to remember there is no such thing as a water or gas board as the firms are privatised. Legitimate people will have correct ID and will not object to the firms being contacted to verify their identity.
Another incident took place as a shopper returned to her car in a supermarket car park.
Police say they were approached by an olive-skinned middle-aged looking male who told her someone had bashed the rear of her car, the woman got out of her car to inspect the apparent damage.
She was distracted by the man, and another individual opened the front passenger door, removing her mobile phone and bank cards from her handbag.
Similar distraction techniques can occur as the victim loads shopping into their car, and can include asking them to sign something, or to look at a map and give directions.
Thieves in such incidents have probably just seen the victim enter the PIN whilst paying with a card in the store, or getting cash from an ATM.
Anyone witnessing or suspecting that a crime is taking place, should call the police on 999.
Anyone with information regarding these offences can make a report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk or call 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.
