CCTV released following reports of bogus charity collector scam - The Evesham Observer

CCTV released following reports of bogus charity collector scam

Evesham Editorial 27th Apr, 2017 Updated: 27th Apr, 2017   0

POLICE have released CCTV images of two women they would like to speak to following reports of bogus charity collectors stealing money from purses in Evesham and Pershore.

The images have been released after the victims were approached by two women, in two separate incidents, who claimed to be collecting for either a deaf or disability charity.

The bogus charity collectors main aim is to distract potential victims whilst money is taken from either their purse or wallet.

The first incident took place on Tuesday, April 18 at about 2pm on the High Street in Pershore.




A couple in their 60s were approached by two women near ASDA requesting them to sign a petition for the disabled and blind children. For confirmation, the two bogus collectors asked to see the couples’ identification and a signature. It was at that point they placed a form over the victim’s wallet and money was taken.

Both offenders are believed to be Asian women, between 20-25 years-old and around 5ft in height. One was wearing light coloured clothing and a black scarf.


Another incident took place between 1pm and 2pm yesterday (Wednesday) at the Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham.

Two sisters in their 70s and 80s were approached by two women collecting money for the disabled and requested a small donation and the pair’s signatures for proof of identification. It was not until later that both victims noticed that money had been taken from their purses.

The two offenders are believed to be Eastern European women with shoulder length dark brown wavy hair, early to mid 20s, around 5 ft 2ins to 5 ft 5ins in height. They were wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Dan Griffiths said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises either of the women in the CCTV image.

“This was a distraction technique theft and it’s quite a malicious one, as it preys on people’s vulnerabilities and generosity for those in need.

“The message is to be vigilant at all times and not leave valuables on show. If anyone has information please contact us on 101.”

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