A gang have been targeting elderly and disabled customers as they shop.
Police have released CCTV images of five men they wish to speak to following a series of bank card thefts from shoppers in the Leigh and Tyldesley areas of Wigan. In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police Wigan West, the offences happened between June and October this year.
They happened at Aldi on King Street, Leigh, Tesco Extra on The Loom, Leigh, Aldi on Shuttle Street, Tyldesley and Lidl on Parr Bridge, Tyldesley. Officers said the bank cards were stolen after the men "distracted" the elderly and disabled shoppers.
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They then used the cards to make several contactless transations, the maximum transaction was £100, police said. The shoppers targeted were aged between 66 and 93 years old.
No one was physically injured during the thefts. A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers have release CCTV images of five men they wish to speak to following a series of bank card thefts from elderly and disabled shoppers in Leigh and Tyldesley.
"The offences occurred between June and October 2022 in various shopping retail parks. The bank cards were stolen after the offenders distracted elderly and disabled shoppers and then used the cards to make several contactless transactions, the maximum transaction being £100.
"The shoppers targeted were aged between 66 and 93 years old. Thankfully no one so far has been physically injured."
Enquiries have been ongoing since June 2022 and anyone with information should contact officers on 0161 856 67054. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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