Urgent Christmas warning as woman targeted after visiting bank

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

An urgent warning has been issued by police amid a rise in distraction thefts in the run up to Christmas. Greater Manchester Police urged people to be 'extra vigilant', especially when out in town centres.

The force said 'groups of offenders' are operating in busy town centres to target victims, usually after they have withdrawn money from the bank or are out shopping.

It comes after a woman was recently targeted in Ashton-under-Lyne town centre and had a 'considerable amount of money' stolen by an offender who used a distraction technique. READ MORE Mystic mum said she was 'destined to win' two weeks before landing £200,000 Greater Manchester Police said she had drawn money out of her account at a local bank before she was set upon by an offender who disguised themselves to make sure they weren't identified.

A warning shared by the force read: "Please make sure that when using cash machines that you shield your PIN whilst inputting it and you are aware of your personal surroundings whilst withdrawing cash. "Offenders have been known to try to distract people at the cash machine and steal that persons card and/or money, whilst they are distracted.