POLICE in Ellesmere Port are warning people to be vigilant after purses were stolen in distraction thefts.
More than £2,000 was spent in Morrisons using one stolen card after the first incident last month.
At about 3.30pm on July 5 a woman shopping at Morrisons on Whitby Road was returning to her car when she was stopped by another woman who engaged her in conversation.
While they were talking, another woman stole her credit cards and purse from the back seat of her car.
The cards were quickly used to buy more than £2,000 worth of goods in the shop before they had been cancelled.
A similar incident took place on the previous day in another supermarket.
PCSO Eric Harwood said: “We are advising shoppers to make life difficult for distraction thieves by checking no-one is watching when they enter their PIN number into a chip and PIN device and to always attempt to conceal the number.
“In addition, shoppers should be extra vigilant in car parks and ensure bags are secure and with them at all times.”
Anyone with any information on distraction thefts should contact Cheshire police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
