A series of distraction thefts in a supermarket car park has prompted police to remind the public to be vigilant in the run-up to Christmas.

The first of two incidents took place on November 13 around midday in the car park of Sainsbury’s at Warren Heath, Ipswich.

A 73-year-old lady was sitting in her car in the car park when a woman and a man knocked on her window asking for directions to London.

The woman suspect then opened up a map in front of the victim and whilst this was happening it is believed the man stole credit cards from the victim’s purse.

These cards were later used to withdraw £250 from a cashpoint. It is possible the victim was watched whilst using her card at the supermarket cashpoint and the PIN noted by the suspects.

The second theft took place a little later on the same day in the car park at Tesco in Copdock.

A 68-year-old lady putting goods into her car was approached by a man and a woman. The woman asked for directions to Cambridge.

As the victim got a map to assist her the man opened the car door and removed three bank cards from her purse which was on the car seat.

As the suspects left the car, the victim realised what had taken place and shouted at the man who dropped the cards and walked away.

Police believe the suspects in each case to be the same.

The woman is described as being in her early 20s, wearing a belted jacket and trousers and had a darkish scarf on her head.

The man is described as also in his early 20s with dark facial stubble and was wearing a beanie.

Both are described as speaking with foreign, possibly eastern European, accents.

Police are appealing for anybody who witnessed either incident or who has any information to contact officers in Ipswich on 101, reference 14757/15 (Sainsbury’s car park) or 14917/15 (Tesco car park), or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

They are also asking people to remain vigilant, to make sure you cover up your pin code when entering it and chip and pin machines or cash points and to keep your valuables secure.