Police in Crawley are alerting the public about a series of thefts involving distraction tactics. Two incidents were reported in November to Sussex Police. In one case, a man was targeted after withdrawing money from an ATM at The Martletts. As he returned to his car, another man, who had been following him, falsely claimed he dropped money. As the victim looked for the money, his jacket containing the cash was stolen.
In a separate event on November 7, a woman withdrawing cash was observed by another woman. To distract her, the observer dropped coins, while an accomplice stole the withdrawn money from the victim’s pocket.
In both cases, the thieves used an additional method of distraction by spraying the victims’ jackets with paint. With the approach of Christmas and the resultant crowded streets, police are advising everyone to be extra vigilant.
