£10,000 Stolen from Women in Southport and Formby
Police are issuing CCTV images of three men we believe could have information that may assist enquiries into the theft of nearly £10,000.
The first theft was reported at around 12.30pm on 23 September, on Lord Street, Southport.
It was reported a woman was followed to her car by three men after withdrawing a total of £8,000 from local banks.
She placed her coat with the money on the passenger seat of the car when a male knocked on her driver’s side window to distract her. Another male is then believed to have taken her coat and cash from the passenger seat.
A second incident was reported to have taken place on 11 October at around 1pm on Chapel Lane, Formby. A second woman withdrew £1,850 from a local bank and placed the cash in her handbag and walked back to her car.
On returning to the car, she put her handbag on the passenger seat when an unknown male knocked on her window to distract her. Again, the cash was stolen.
Since the two incidents extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted in Southport and Formby. Detectives have now issued CCTV images of the men they believe could assist in their investigation.
Detective Constable Louise Wright said: “Both victims were left shocked and distressed at being targeted in this way.
“Not only have they been left hugely out of pocket by these incidents, they were left feeling fearful in a place they had every right to feel safe.
“We want to reassure residents and shoppers in Sefton that we are conducting a thorough investigation to find those responsible.
“We believe the men pictured may have vital information to help our enquiries so if you know them, please come forward as soon as possible.
“If you recognise them, or the images jog your memory about any suspicious behaviour you may have seen whilst in the Southport or Formby area please contact us.
“Similarly, if you have any CCTV footage from 23 September on Lord/Nevill Street, Southport and 11 October on Chapel/Three Tuns Lane, Formby please contact us so we can continue to investigate this incident.”
Over Christmas and New Year we are operating Operation Shepherd to reduce crime and keep communities safe. This annual campaign provides crime prevention advice and extra patrols for high visibility to reassure people they can enjoy the festive season. If you need crime prevention advice for car and vehicle owners visit: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/
If you have any information, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference: 24000817309 for Southport and 24000868385 for Formby. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/