Police have issued CCTV images of a man and a woman they want to quiz after a series of cashpoint distraction thefts in Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: Police are issuing CCTV images of a man and woman they would like to speak to and warning shoppers to be vigilant, after several distraction thefts at cashpoints in Suffolk.Police are issuing CCTV images of a man and woman they would like to speak to and warning shoppers to be vigilant, after several distraction thefts at cashpoints in Suffolk. (Image: Archant)

A woman made a transaction at a bank in Princes Street but dropped the bank card. A passer-by picked it up and returned a stolen card. The switch was not discovered until after a number of transactions had taken place.

The incident took place at around lunchtime on Saturday.

It followed a similar incident at the same bank when a shopper was distracted by a man asking if he had dropped a bank note as he was using the cashpoint. The card was switched for a stolen card.

It took place at around on 12.30pm on Thursday last week.

Similar thefts have also been reported at banks in Church Street, Woodbridge on Thursday last week, at Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds on Friday and Market Place, Stowmarket in early March.

Officers are linking these to another incident which took place in Bramford Lane, Ipswich on February 2. The victim had her purse stolen when asked for directions.

It is believed this happened after the suspect had watched her make a purchase in a nearby supermarket prior to the theft.

Anyone who believes they recognise the people in the CCTV, or who has any information in relation to these incidents, is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference BU/15/1187.

Meanwhile, police are reminding people to be vigilant if they notice any suspicious activity inside banks, at cashpoints or card payment devices and should alert staff and police as soon as possible.#

When using your cards:

- Be aware of who is around you and make sure people stay a good distance away from you.

- Don’t let anyone distract you while you are using the cash machine or making a card payment. Cancel the transaction if you are worried.

- Use your hand, purse, wallet or other object to cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

- Store your money and cards away quickly.

- Check your statements regularly to ensure that there is no fraudulent usage.

- It is always good practise to keep your purse or wallet out of sight in a zipped bag, preferably across your body. Always check your bag immediately if someone deliberately bumps into you.