AN elderly woman had a bank card stolen while being asked for directions with it later used to make almost £500 of transactions at a Tesco store.

The victim, aged in her 80s, left Morrisons in Chiltern Drive, Verwood, at around 10am on Monday, March 7.

It is believed she was followed to her home in the local area by two men who asked for directions and got out a large map.

Later that day, the woman discovered her bank card was missing from her bag and had been used to carry out £490 worth of transactions at Tesco in West Moors.

Bournemouth Echo:

Police have now released images of two men they would like to speak with as part of their investigation.

Police Community Support Investigator Kate Hann, of Dorset Police, said: “We are continuing to investigate this incident and have obtained images of two men we would like to speak to as part of our enquiries. I would urge anyone who recognises them to please contact us.

“This case involves a vulnerable elderly victim, and it is possible that she has been targeted. We are doing everything we can to offer her support and advice and I would urge people to remain vigilant when it comes to attempted distraction thefts in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220037470. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.