OAP Tricked Out Of PIN And Bank Card At Cashpoint

Police are hunting two callous thieves, who preyed on an 84 year-old pensioner and used his bank card to run up a £5,000-plus bill.

These CCTV images have been released of the suspects after the victim was tricked at a cashpoint machine and his PIN and card taken.

The OAP was using a cashpoint in Mitcham Road, Tooting on March 7 when two men pounced.

He had entered his card and PIN when a male standing behind him informed him the machine was out of use.

While the victim was distracted the male cancelled the transaction and took the card from the machine before walking off.

The victim - unaware of what had just taken place - waited for his card to be returned.

When it became apparent it wasn't coming out he went inside the branch to report that his card, as he believed, had been retained by the machine.

The theft only became apparent when the victim's bank contacted him to inform him more than £5,000 had been taken from his account in a series of transactions.

These included a cash withdrawal of £300 and three purchases totalling £4,763.

PC Markeljan Ferizaj based at Tooting Police station said:

"Distraction thieves can target anyone but they often focus on vulnerable members of society, selecting them as easy targets.

“In this instance, the victim has been left highly distressed and the theft has knocked his confidence.

"We are issuing images of two men we need to speak to in connection with this incident.

“I would urge anyone who recognises either, or both, men to call police with information.

"I would also urge anyone using a cash machine to be aware of their surroundings and, if they think someone is hanging around trying to watch them enter their pin, then cancel the transaction and inform police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ferizaj at Wandsworth Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.