Thieves harassed a pensioner and stole cash from her while she was using a cash machine.

The 66-year-old woman was trying to take money out of the Nat West machine in Ashford high street on Wednesday.

She had just typed in her PIN number when a man and a woman started to wave magazines in her face and over the screen of the cash point machine while asking for money.

The pair suddenly left her alone and walked away, it was at this point the woman realised they had taken money from her account.

The man is described as Asian, aged between 37 and 40, unshaven with short black hair and wearing a yellow top. The woman was also described as Asian, of a similar age with dark shoulder length hair and wearing a navy blue top.

A similar theft happened an hour later outside Tesco in Cheriton high street.
A 39-year-old man had just typed his PIN number into the cash machine, when a woman thrust a magazine across his hands appearing to be begging.

The man became aware of a second person, who also had a magazine which was pushed in his face. The store security guard approached, and the two left the area. After asking at the bank the man realised money had been taken from his account.

The thieves were described as both being Eastern European, the woman aged between 17 and 20, the man aged in his late 20s or early 30s.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “When using a cash point machine always be aware of who is around you. Cover your pin number and stay close to the machine during the transaction. Always keep your PIN number safe, and cover the keyboard whilst inputting it. If distracted by someone while the transaction in on going, cover the keyboard to prevent them accessing the keys and making a transaction on your account. If you suspect that you have been a victim of this type of theft, contact your bank immediately.”

Police would like to speak to anyone who has information regarding these incidents to contact South Kent police on 01303 289180. Alternatively call Crimestoppers Hotline on 0800 55111.