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Wallet thefts and card frauds across Devon & Cornwall

Police are warning businesses to be extra vigilant after a number of wallet thefts from premises across Devon and Cornwall.

In the days following the thefts, the victims received bogus phone calls leading to fraudulent activity.

The caller, claiming to be from their bank, tells the victim that arrests have been made and their property has been recovered. The caller requests the victim’s bank pin codes to verify their account, allowing them to make large withdrawals and purchases using the victim’s details.

Police have identified a series of crimes with similar circumstances at businesses such as hotels, a golf club, doctors surgeries and a hospital in such areas as Liskeard, Newton Abbot, Tiverton, Exeter, St Austell, Ottery St Mary and Chulmleigh.

We believe this to be a professional outfit operating across the Force area and not likely to be anyone known to the victims.

We would emphasise people to challenge unknown people even if they appear to be staff. Police are advising people to be vigilant when dealing with unsolicited calls.

– PC Phil Tucker, Devon and Cornwall Police