Want to know how to get robbed at a cash machine? It’s a valuable first step to not being. The key is distraction, as in this video released by Essex police. The whole video is just 11 seconds long, and it takes a fraction of that for £350 to be snatched from the unwary bank customer—who never even notices.
The man who does the distracting is using a £10 note, flicking it with his foot near the victim before tapping him on the shoulder to say he had dropped the cash.
As the victim bends to pick up the note the second man grabs £350 from the machine and walks away. Meanwhile a third member of the gang started chatting with a woman waiting to use the machine to prevent her seeing what was happening.
Usual advice is to use machines inside bank buildings wherever possible. Avoid using a machine where people are hanging around suspiciously, and never respond to anyone trying to get your attention.
Another thought would be to get young people practising. How easy is it to focus on the task, always keeping sight of the card and the money and the machine, and refusing to be diverted? Enterprising groups could test each other’s resolve with jostles and distractions. It’s a lot harder than it first seems—especially when faced with accomplished thieves.
Essex police are asking for information on this crime that took place in High Road, Loughton last August.
