Two arrested after cards from purse taken in Southport taxi used in three transactions

A woman and a man have been arrested after credit cards from a purse taken from a taxi in Southport were used in three transactions worth more than £64.

The purse was reported stolen from a taxi on Cross Street between 9.30pm and 11pm on 25 July. It contained the victim’s credit cards and driving licence.

Police said the transactions were made shortly afterwards. Officers reviewed CCTV from several supermarkets in the area and identified footage showing a man and a woman using one of the cards.

A 37-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man, both from Southport, were arrested on suspicion of theft. They were taken to a Merseyside police station for questioning and have since been released on bail with conditions.

Sefton Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Dave Uren said:

“To fraudulently use someone’s credit cards is a serious offence and can have lasting consequences, with criminals able to make money transfers and steal personal information.

“Our officers contacted several supermarkets in the area and successfully reviewed CCTV footage from each store to make these arrests in Southport.

“If you have been a victim of fraud, theft or a similar crime please contact police so we can continue to take action.”

Anyone with information about the incident or other crimes can contact Merseyside Police through its social media desk on X or Facebook at @MerPolCC, report it via the force’s website, or call 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Call 999 in an emergency.