A WOMAN whose purse was stolen was contacted by a scammer purporting to be from the police before her bank details and credit cards were used to carry out transactions of more than £2,000.

It is believed the victim’s purse was stolen at Westbourne Medical Centre in Milburn Road, Westbourne, on the morning of Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

The woman later received a call from someone claiming to be from the police saying they had arrested a woman for the theft and asking for her bank details.

Police say the caller was insistent and promised they would return her purse.

The victim gave her bank details and her credit cards were subsequently used to carry out transactions in the Poole and Bournemouth area totalling more than £2,000.

Now police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak with. 

Police Community Support Investigator Chris Hardy, of Dorset Police, said: “We have been carrying out enquiries into this incident and have obtained CCTV images of a man who is suspected to have used the stolen cards.

“I would urge anyone with information as to his identity to please contact us.

“I would also remind people that police will never ask for your bank details over the phone and if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a caller, hang up and call them back on a publicly listed number.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210096285. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.