SHOPPERS are being warned to watch our for thieves at cashpoints after an elderly woman had £200 stolen in Yeadon.

The 75-year-old victim chased after the woman who had taken her money - and she managed to get her cash back. But now her family are speaking out about the crime to alert other potential victims to the danger.

Her son's partner Helen Rook said: "She was at the main cashpoint on Yeadon Street. She drew £200 out of her account and as the money was coming out she was distracted by a woman, and then another woman stole the money.

"She followed them up the road and accosted this woman and said 'give me the money back'. She threatened to cause a major scene and she managed to get the money back.

"These ladies were well dressed and looked middle class. They were about 50 years old. They were not the type you would expect this from."

She said her partner's mum did not want to contact the police about the incident at the Halifax cash machine in the run up to Christmas because she was so stressed about what had happened.

"She was still a bit shaken up that evening and the day after as well," she added.

Helen said since the incident with her partner's mum other people had also complained of being targeted by distraction thieves in Yeadon.

A police spokesman said there had been no incidents reported for Yeadon High Street in the week running up to Christmas.

He added: "We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime to report it to us so we can make enquiries to trace those responsible and prevent further offences."

On its website West Yorkshire police give advice on how to use cashpoints safely and on how to avoid becoming a victim of a distraction theft.

They say: "When using ATM (Automatic Telling Machines - commonly referred to as 'Hole in the Wall Machines') always ensure no one is looking over your shoulder. They can easily see your pin number and then target you to steal your card.

"Beware of being distracted while using the ATM. A method being used by criminal gangs is to observe an individual inserting his/her card into the machine and noting the PIN code as it is being entered. The individual is then distracted by having their attention drawn to an item on the ground (for example either £5 or £10 notes). Whilst their attention is focussed on the money, one of the gang removes the card and walks away. The team then have both your card and your PIN number.

"It only takes seconds for money to be taken from a victims account elsewhere.

"Criminal gangs have also spilt innocuous liquids including milkshakes over victims clothing distracting their attention from the ATM and again walking away with their card unnoticed. This method has also been used to elicit money from unsuspecting victims coming out of banks."

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