SHOPPERS in Teignbridge have fallen victim to thieves targeting people making withdrawals from cash point machines in supermarket car parks.

Police have issued a general warning across the Devon and Cornwall area for the public, especially the elderly, to be on their guard as the gang’s takings rocket towards £10,000 and beyond.

Already victims have reported losses in Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey.

One of the first successful strikes was in the Tesco superstore car park in Kingsteignton’s Newton Road on January 27 at 2.40pm. On February 2 they pounced again in Sainsbury’s car park off Penn Inn, Newton Abbot.

And two days later the distraction thieves hit Bovey Tracey where stole a motorist’s cash card in the library car park in Abbey Road. All the incidents happened in the afternoon.

A police spokesman said: ‘While the victims, in some cases elderly women, have purchased goods in a supermarket - or used a cash point - a suspect has watched them enter their PIN number.

‘When the victims have returned to their vehicles, they have been approached by someone asking for directions to the nearest hospital or similar location. While the victim is being distracted, someone else has got into their vehicle and stolen their bank cards.’

He revealed that within a short space of time multiple transactions had been made at post offices and banks - often involving several thousands of pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or email [email protected], quoting reference CR/013907/16.

A FULLER VERSION OF THIS STORY WILL APPEAR IN OUR EDITIONS ON FRIDAY