AN ELDERLY woman was targeted by thieves while out shopping in Andover.

At about 2.45pm on Saturday, 9 February, the victim was at her car in Tesco, in River Way, when she was distracted by a man speaking in a foreign language, asking for directions. While the victim was trying to speak to the man, the passenger door of her vehicle was opened and her credit card wallet was removed from her handbag.

A large amount of cash was then withdrawn from cash machines, using her card.

The man who distracted the victim is described as white, aged in his 40s, of average height, a medium build, fair complexion, clean shaven, good looking with big blue eyes. He is described as wearing an anorak, grey trousers and a scarf which is believed to be blue and white and believed to be Eastern European because of his accent.

Pc Lindsey Campbell said: “It is believed that the victim was watched while she was paying for her shopping inside the store and that the offenders managed to obtain her PIN. They were then able to use her cards to withdraw at least £1,000.

“I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward and speak to us. Did you see anyone in the area matching the description?

“As always, I would appeal to members of the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact Pc Campbell at Andover police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.