Bogus charity collectors suspected of stealing a wallet in Lymington
Police are issuing CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to after a theft incident at Toppers Barbers in Queen Street, Lymington between 1.20 and 1.40pm on Thursday, November 12.
Two men entered the barbers shop claiming to be collecting money for Children in Need.
After the men left it was discovered a wallet belonging to a customer was stolen from his coat which was hanging up by the front door.
A short time later the man’s wallet was found in the toilets at a nearby Waitrose store.
Later in the afternoon cards which were inside the wallet were used to withdraw a total of £450 from a cash machine in Brockenhurst and Southampton and to buy train tickets from Brockenhurst train station.
£40 cash was also stolen from the wallet.
PC Ian Cross of Lymington Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “The two men claimed to be collecting money for a worthwhile charity but it appears that they also stole a wallet from a customer having his hair cut at the barbers shop. We would advise never to leave valuables unattended in a public place, including a shop. It is also important to remember never to write your PIN down or keep it with your cards as it was in this case, enabling the offenders to easily make an immediate withdrawal from the bank.”
Anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV image, or has any information is asked to contact PC Cross at Lymington police station on 101, or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Callers from outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight should dial 0845 045 45 45.