A CON man posing as a Good Samaritan has tricked elderly people into handing over their bank cards.
The unknown man offered to help drivers with card transactions at ATM machines in car parks in Knutsford and Wilmslow.
The cunning thief then stole money from their accounts.
READ > Vera, 106, reveals secret to living a long and happy life
Police are now warning everyone to be vigilant after a series of distraction thefts.
Four separate incidents were reported to Cheshire Police on Tuesday, April 23.
On each occasion, the victims had quantities of money stolen from their accounts.
The first incident occurred at around 11am on Tuesday at Princess Street car park in Knutsford.
The second and third incidents both happened at around 12.30pm in Macclesfield, one at Tesco Exchange Street car park, and one at Churchill Way car park.
The third incident took place at Sainsbury’s car park in Alderley Road, Wilmslow, at around 2pm.
The incidents involved an unknown man pretending to help people with card transactions at an ATM, or by posing as a traffic warden.
The man offered to help individuals buy a parking ticket which involved him taking the victims' bank card.
PC Matthew Cox said: “Enquiries are currently ongoing into this series of distraction thefts and we would like to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to trace those responsible.
“Please be vigilant when using ATM machines and pay close attention to your surroundings.
“Don’t be distracted by people trying to talk to you or touch you and report any suspicious activity to a member of staff wherever you are using the machine.
“If at any point you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction.
“Similarly, traffic wardens will never ask you to pay them directly for parking tickets or fines.
“Official local authority parking enforcement officers will have identification which you can check to make sure they are genuine.
“Further crime prevention advice, including how to keep yourself safe when out and about, is available on the Cheshire Police website.
“Remember to report any incidents of this nature to Cheshire Police through our website, by calling 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency.”
Anyone who has information in relation to these incidents in Cheshire East should call 101, quoting reference number 24000379533.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here