In the know

Crime Alert - Distraction Thefts

We’re noticing an increase in reports of distraction thefts across Tandridge and Reigate & Banstead.

Distraction thefts happen when a suspect or suspects strikes up conversations or causes a diversion to draw attention, causing confusion or distraction to enable them to steal items such as phones, wallets, or jewellery.

The offences reported to us have happened in supermarket carparks, but they can also happen on high streets and in shopping centres, in cafés and restaurants, or on public transport.

Common tactics include asking for help with directions and reading maps, ‘accidentally’ spilling food or drink on you and then offering help while stealing your wallet, and asking for help with a fake emergency.

In the cases reported to us, victims have been putting their shopping in the car, or returning their trolleys, when they were approached by a man who struck up conversation with them, asking questions such as how much the trolleys were, or pointing out scratches on the victim’s car. While the victims were distracted, wallets or mobile phones were stolen from their bags.

To keep yourself and your belongings safe, we recommend:

 If you are targeted, stay calm and move to a safe place, such as inside the shop, and make the staff aware of what has happened. Report it to police and cancel any stolen bank cards,

In an emergency, always call 999.