Man targeted by 'distraction' thieves on Cornhill

Why it matters: Suffolk police are appealing for information after the coordinated three-person theft, and are urging people to stay vigilant when withdrawing money from cash machines.

The details: The incident happened at around 12:30, after the victim withdrew cash from an ATM on Tavern Street, placed it in his rucksack, and left on a bicycle.

• While cycling, he felt his back was suddenly wet and stopped.
• Two men approached and offered to wipe the liquid – believed to be a culinary sauce – from his shirt with tissues.
• A third man, previously unseen by the victim, is said to have gone into his bag and removed the cash.

Suspect descriptions: Both men who approached the victim are described as approximately 5ft 6ins tall, wearing dark tops, dark trousers and baseball caps. The third suspect is believed to have been dressed in black clothing and wearing a white baseball cap.

What's next: Police are reviewing CCTV opportunities and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about the suspects' identities, to come forward.

The bottom line: Suffolk police are urging vigilance when withdrawing cash, following a distraction theft in Cornhill that saw a man's cash taken while two accomplices played on his sympathy.

Anyone with information should contact CID South at Suffolk police quoting reference 37/44312/26, via:

• Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us
• Phone: 101
• Crimestoppers (100% anonymous): 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

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