A WOMAN in Newton Abbot has become the victim of a gang of supermarket distraction burglars thought to be operating across the region.

The 68-year-old was targeted last Wednesday at approximately 5.30pm in the Tesco store car park, Kingsteignton.

She was asked by a man for directions and invited to draw a map. A witness spotted another man leaning into her red Volkswagen car and taking £30 from her purse.

The incident was one of five reported to police last week, the others taking place in Plymouth and Saltash.

One victim was defrauded of £11,000 after her bank card was stolen.

Officers are keen to talk to a smartly dressed man thought to be in his 30s or 40s, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build with short black or dark hair.

He speaks with a foreign accent and is usually wearing a suit.

Det Sgt Jamie Gilbert, from Charles Cross Police Station, Plymouth, said: ‘The offences are being linked by police. The offenders appear to be targeting women on their own while they are loading their cars with shopping at local supermarkets.

‘It is important to stress that none of the women have been physically harmed during these thefts and the offenders are targeting them for money and bank cards from purses and handbags.

‘We would ask women to be aware of this distraction technique, which preys upon their good nature by asking for help with directions. This individual sounds very genuine and looks smart.

‘We would ask anyone who is approached in this fashion to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to police.

‘Police are advising female shoppers to lock other car doors and windows while they are loading their groceries and to keep their handbags and purses on them.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by phone on 101 or email via [email protected] quoting crime reference CR/52813/15.