Chocolate Scam in Luton

25 May 2010, 11:51 | Updated: 25 May 2010, 11:57

Bedfordshire Police is releasing CCTV images of several people they need to speak to in connection with a scam which has been reported in Luton.

The first incident happened in The Mall, Luton on Wednesday, May 5. The victim had visited the Halifax Building Society and was stopped by several members of the public who told her that she had chocolate on her back and they would help remove it.  However when they had gone she realised the cash she had just withdrawn was missing from her bag.

The second incident happened on Thursday, May 20, as an 82 year old man left Lloyds TSB in the town.  He went into The Mall and when he was close to the bottom of the escalator when a group of people told him he had chocolate on his back and they would help remove it. Again when the group left the man noticed that the cash he had just withdrawn from the bank had been stolen.

Caught on Camera investigator PC Charles Pirie, who is based at Luton Police Station, is keen to speak to anyone who can help identify the people in the CCTV pictures attached or anyone who believes they may have been targeted by this group.

PC Pirie said: “Bedfordshire Police will be working with banks and building societies in the town to remind the public to be extra careful when leaving the premises after withdrawing cash.  I would advise people to ensure that after they conclude their business with the cashier and before moving from the banking hall to always securely put away any cash, cards, cheque books or other documentation and remember to keep all cards separate from your cheque book.”