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Police officers in Maidstone are investigating two reports of distraction thefts in a supermarket car park.
Two separate reports were made of men approaching women in the car park of Morrison’s, on Sutton Road, and asking for directions on Tuesday, May 22.
Whilst the women were giving the man directions, handbags containing bank cards were taken from their cars.
One of the victim’s cards had just under £700 withdrawn on it, and the second victim’s card was used to the value of £150.
Officers are reminding shoppers to keep their belongings close by, and keep vehicles locked.
Sgt Paul Turner from Kent Police said: "On both occasions it would appear that the man and his accomplice have watched the victims loading shopping into their car and, when the time was right, moved in to use theirdistraction technique.
"The offender will usually try and get the victim to face the opposite direction, with their back to their car, sometimes producing a map to cause further distraction.
"I’m hopefully that by highlighting this technique we can make people aware and prevent further crimes taking place."