£500 stolen from woman's bank account in Hemel Hempstead

Police investigating the theft of £500 in Hemel Hempstead have released images of a man they would like to speak to as part of their enquiries.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, approached the ATM outside Lloyds Bank on the Marlowes at 2.35pm on Monday, November 30, when she was accosted by a man who tried to engage her in conversation.

He told her his mother’s card had been previously swallowed by the machine and he began pressing a number of keys on the ATM, telling the victim he was trying to cancel the transaction.

When the victim’s card was ejected, she took it and walked off.

Later the same day, she realised £500 was missing from her bank account.

PC Nick Kent, who is investigating, said: “I understand that the image is of low quality but we have a duty to exhaust all enquiries on behalf of the victim.

“While the person’s face is obscured, perhaps you recognise their clothing or their stance?

"We believe they were in the area at the time of the offence and could have vital information to help with our enquiries.

“If you have any information, even if you believe it to be insignificant, please contact me as soon as possible.

“I would like to remind shoppers to be vigilant as we return to our town centres in the lead up to Christmas.

"If anyone attempts to engage you in conversation while you are using an ATM, you are well within your rights to ask them step away while you complete your transaction.”

You can email PC Kent at [email protected], report information onlineor call 101 quoting reference 41/96425/20.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.