CCTV appeal following theft and fraud in Christchurch

Officers investigating the theft of a bank card and subsequent fraudulent use are issuing CCTV images of two men they would like to identify.

At 9.50am on Saturday 28 March 2026 the victim – a woman aged in her 80s – withdrew cash from a cash machine in Lloyds Bank in Castle Street.

As the victim was entering her PIN number, a man stood nearby and watched before noting down the PIN code in his phone.

In order to distract the victim, the man then dropped cash on the floor and tapped the victim on the shoulder to tell her the money was hers. During this time, a second man swapped the victim’s bank card in the machine with a stolen card.

A subsequent fraudulent transaction was made to withdraw over £4,000.

Police Constable Susie Justice, of Dorset Police, said “This was a targeted incident on a vulnerable victim and we are doing all we can to identify those responsible.

“I am now issuing CCTV images of two men I would like to identify and would ask anyone who recognises them to please come forward.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be vigilant when using a cash machine – always cover your PIN and make sure that there is nobody acting suspiciously around you.”

View image here: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/6e41c7dd-9f3c-f111-9d93-6045bdd24049

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260045425. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.