AN ELDERLY Tarporley couple had their credit cards stolen after ‘callous’ thieves followed them home from a supermarket in Winsford.
Police were alerted yesterday afternoon (Thursday, June 23) by the victims, who are both in their 80s, after the two offenders targeted them outside their home.
Detectives are exploring the possibility that the thieves identified the couple in the supermarket and watched them when they were paying at the chip and pin device at the till, before following them home.
The victims told police they saw a Rover car following them on their route home from the supermarket.
The two offenders, who spoke with Eastern European accents and were smartly dressed, approached the couple outside their house and asked them for change for a £2 coin, as well as directions to Manchester.
During the conversation the thieves have stolen the credit cards from the couple, which were then used to withdraw cash from an ATM in the village.
Inspector Phil Hodgson said: “It would appear that the offenders had planned their crime meticulously and used ‘distraction type’ techniques by asking the victims for directions and change before stealing their credit cards.
“It is callous and cruel to target elderly victims in this way, and we urge the public to be on their guard when out shopping.
“We are doing all we can to trace those responsible and ensure nobody else falls prey to this unusual type of crime.”
Detective sergeant Rupert Morrey, who is overseeing the investigation, added: “Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously in a supermarket, or if you are approached in suspicious or unusual circumstances similar to this, should contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 quoting incident number 715 of June 23.
“We are now examining the CCTV from the cashpoint and examining transaction attempts at other locations.”
