Police have issued CCTV images of two women they wish to speak with following the theft of a bank card from a pensioner’s handbag at Festival Place shopping centre in Basingstoke on 24 November.
Can you identify these individuals? Hampshire Police are appealing for information after a woman in her seventies had her payment card taken from her bag between 10.45am and 11.15am.
The stolen card was subsequently used to make fraudulent purchases exceeding £300 at Tesco and Monsoon stores. The victim promptly contacted her bank, which blocked the card and reimbursed the full amount.
Following the initial report, detectives have conducted extensive inquiries and are now releasing CCTV footage showing two women who may assist with the investigation.
Officers believe these individuals could provide crucial information and are urging them—or anyone who recognises them—to come forward immediately.
Witnesses who observed the incident, noticed any suspicious behaviour in the vicinity at that time, or possess CCTV, mobile phone, or dashcam recordings are also encouraged to contact police.
Information can be provided by telephoning 101 or submitting details online through the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, referencing incident number 44250530415.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Authorities advise shoppers to remain alert and follow these precautions to avoid becoming targets for opportunistic criminals in crowded locations:
- Ensure purses and bags remain fastened and secure
- Carry bags positioned in front or across your body diagonally
- Promptly return cards to your purse or wallet and secure all fastenings
- Select purses with secure closures such as zips or snap fasteners
- Consider using a money belt when carrying substantial cash amounts
- Store wallets in buttoned or zipped pockets where they remain inconspicuous
- Maintain a separate record of emergency contact numbers away from your phone
- Keep photocopies of important documents including passports, airline tickets and credit cards
- Never hang belongings on chair backs
- Avoid leaving items on pushchair handles
- Keep possessions visible rather than placing them on the floor
Additional crime prevention guidance regarding pickpocketing and theft is available on the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
