This is a Community Message from Aylesbury Watch Office on Monday 28 March 2011.
In the last week, four thefts of purses have been reported in the Aylesbury Vale area. On at least two occasions the offender has telephoned the victim, claiming to be from their bank, regarding the theft of their cards. He has then requested that they confirm their details and pin number. Money has then been withdrawn from the account. The victims have stated that the offender sounded very plausible and genuinely believe him to be from their bank
These offences have occurred in the Buckingham and Winslow area but it is worth reminding everyone about keeping their wallets / purses safe when out and about in the Aylesbury Vale area. Make sure purses are in a zipped bag and that access cannot be gained to the purse from anyone walking behind you. Do not leave property unattended in handbags and do not leave handbags in shopping trolley whilst you are getting items from the shelves. Do not have your wallet in an accessible back pocket, where it could easily be lifted by someone ‘bumping into you’.
NEVER give your pin number out to anyone, including anyone ‘claiming’ to be from your bank. Your bank will never ask you for your pin number over the phone.
Police are following a number of lines of enquiries in relation to these offences and we will keep you updated of any developments. Officers are keen to hear from anyone that might have any information in relation to these offences. Police would also like to hear from anyone that might have been victim of a similar crime that has not reported it yet. If you have any information please call the 24 hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.
Further crime prevention advice can be found on our website or by calling on 0845 8 505 505.
