Police in south Norfolk are urging shoppers to be vigilant, after a distraction theft at a Diss supermarket earlier this month.

It happened at a store in Diss, where an elderly woman was approached by a woman asking for change on Thursday, November 19.

As the victim got her purse from her bag, the woman said she'd dropped something on the floor. The victim has then looked for the item dropped and the suspect has walked off.

Sometime later, the victim discovered bank cards missing from her purse and a phone call to the bank revealed £900 had been withdrawn from her account.

Police would not say which store the crime happened.

Members of the public are reminded to be vigilant if they notice any suspicious activity inside shops, banks, at ATMs or card payment devices and should alert staff and police as soon as possible.

When using your cards:

Be aware of who is around you and make sure people stay a good distance away from you.

Don't let anyone distract you while you are using the cash machine or making a card payment. Cancel the transaction if you are worried.

Use your hand, purse, wallet or other object to cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Store your money and cards away quickly.

Check your statements regularly to ensure that there is no fraudulent usage.

It is always good practise to keep your purse or wallet out of sight in a zipped bag, preferably across your body. Always check your bag immediately if someone deliberately bumps into you.

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the above incident or has any information regarding it. They are asked to contact Inspector Mike Austin at Diss Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.