THIEVES have been targetting vulnerable residents at supermarkets in Wokingham by using distraction techniques.

Thames Valley Police have had multiple reports of thieves targetting their victim by distracting them by talking, while another thief quickly steals their handbag or wallet from their car.

Police are classing this crime as 'supermarket car park distraction thieves'.

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Yobs will prey on shoppers who enter a store with a handbag, purse or wallet. They follow the victim through the store and stay close by as they watch them enter their PIN number and pay at the till.

Having obtained the PIN number, two or more of the thieves follow the victim and wait until they have loaded their shopping and handbag into their car.

They then make their move by distracting the victim in conversation while another thief quietly opens the door and steals their bag.

Once the victim drives away, the thieves can use the stolen bank card and PIN number to withdraw cash from a nearby cash point.

A police spokesman said: "To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, ensure that whenever you use a “Chip and Pin card” that you cover the key pad as you enter the 4 digit number so that no one can see/record it. Make sure your handbag and wallet are secure at all times.

If you have any information or would like to report a crime, please visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk or call the police non-emergency number 101.

"If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org"

In order to stay safe and be alert, police are urging residents to cover the key pad when paying on their card so no one near can see or record it.

Also, make sure your handbag and wallet is secure and with you at all times.