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Distraction thieves have tried to swipe large sums of cash from people in Essex, claiming there was “something on their jacket”. Essex Police have released an image of three men they want to speak to in connection to two distraction thefts in Southend on Friday (December 20).
During both incidents, the victims were distracted before suspects attempted to take large sums of cash from their coat pockets. Both offences took place in Southend High Street on Friday. During the first incident, at around 11am, a man aged in his 50s reported he was approached shortly after placing a four-figure sum of cash in his coat pocket.
He was approached by a man who told the victim he had “something on his jacket”. After the victim removed his coat and placed it in the boot of his car, a second male suspect opened the boot and took the coat. A member of the public intervened and the coat was retrieved. The money was thankfully not stolen.
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During the second incident, at around 1.15pm, a man aged in his 70s was approached as he was leaving a Post Office. Similarly, he was approached by a man who informed him he had “something on his jacket”. While pretending to help the victim clean his coat, the man removed a four-figure sum of cash from the pocket.
Police have now released an image of three people they need to identify and speak to as part of the investigation. Temporary Sergeant Lois Greenlees said: “There have been a number of similar distraction thefts across the county in recent days and officers are working tirelessly to investigate these offences.
“We know this will be a busy weekend and cash is often withdrawn around the festive season. We would urge caution to anyone handling large sums of cash in and around banks and town centres. Be aware of your surroundings and suspicious of strangers approaching you and engaging you in conversation. Report any suspicious activity to us.”
Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 or call 101 to report information.
