Thieves steal hundreds of pounds from woman during 'frightening' robbery in Hemel Hempstead shopping centre

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman using an ATM was pushed and robbed of £500 cash in The Marlowes Shopping Centre.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

On Saturday, November 30, the victim in her 50s was at a Halifax cash machine when two men approached her.

One of them distracted her before pushing her out the way, while the other man withdrew hundreds of pounds from the ATM.

A member of the attempted to detain one of the males but they both made off and got into a vehicle in Water Garden car park.

The robbery took place outside Halifax in The Malowes Shopping CentreThe robbery took place outside Halifax in The Malowes Shopping Centre
The robbery took place outside Halifax in The Malowes Shopping Centre

The incident happened at around 3pm.

The victim, speaking to the Gazette, said: "It was a frightening episode and I would like to raise everyone's awareness of the risks of using high street cashlines.

"It happened to me on Saturday in the middle of town, middle of the day in busy shopping area."

Police are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to call them on non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/107929/19.

A spokesman said: "For some victims, personal circumstances can make the impact of crime especially traumatic.

"In these situations, our professionally trained staff can arrange for specialist assistance such as welfare visits or mental health services, including access to cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)."