Police and council tackling car park distraction thefts

Reports of distraction thefts have reduced after police and Hertsmere Borough Council worked together to tackle the issue.

Suspects had been approaching vulnerable and older residents in car parks or at roadside pay and display machines in Bushey and Potters Bar. They were then instructing victims to use the pay machine before distracting them and taking their bank card. The suspects stole money by telling the victims that they needed to say their pin numbers out loud to the machines.

The Hertsmere Neighbourhood Policing Team joined together with the local council, who own the affected car parks, to install signage reminding residents to be vigilant. The funding was granted by the Office of the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Following the new signage being installed, one report was received of suspicious activity at a pay machine in Bushey Heath. A device was found on the pay machine and the suspect’s vehicle was seized. Enquiries are ongoing.

Since then, there has been no further reports.

In addition to the signage, numerous arrests had been made in connection with the distraction thefts.

Two 39 year old men, from Dagenham and Barking, are currently on bail after being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to commit fraud. They have conditions not to enter Hertfordshire.

A 37 year old man from Woodford Green was arrested on suspicion of nine incidents of fraud by false representation. He has been bailed with conditions not to enter Hertfordshire.

Another four people from London were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and theft, following incidents at Tesco in Bushey High Road and Asda in Watford. They have also been bailed, with conditions not to enter Hertfordshire.

PC Luke Hinchliffe, from the Hertsmere Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“We are committed to preventing anybody else from becoming a victim to this crime and I hope the many arrests demonstrate that commitment. We are pleased that the reports have dropped and we are determined to make sure it stays this way.

“The signage reminds residents to be vigilant and to keep handbags or wallets with them when putting shopping away. I’d like to say thank you to Hertsmere Borough Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their support with this initiative. I hope this shows residents that these reports are being taken seriously.

“If you are approached by somebody acting suspiciously, please call 999 if they are still at the scene or you believe they are still in the area. For all other reports, please call the non-emergency number 101."

Cllr Chris Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Neighbourhoods, Enforcement, Economic Development and Transformation at Hertsmere Borough Council said:

“Distraction theft can have a significant impact on victims, particularly older and more vulnerable members of our community. Hertsmere Borough Council is committed to working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and other partners to reduce opportunities for this type of crime. The installation of these signs is a simple but important step in reminding people to stay alert and helping to protect residents and visitors from becoming victims.”

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said:

“Through our Safer Town Centre Fund, we are investing in practical measures that help protect residents and prevent crime before it happens. The installation of this signage in Hertsmere is a great example of partners working together to make communities safer, raising awareness of distraction thefts and helping people stay vigilant. It is particularly encouraging that the signage has already contributed to suspicious activity being identified and reported, demonstrating the value of targeted prevention initiatives and strong local partnership working.”

For advice on staying safe from scams, please visit herts.police.uk/crimeprevention

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency, always call 999.