CUSTOMERS are being warned to remain vigilant when visiting cash and carry stores after police were informed of a gang travelling around the North West carrying out distraction thefts.

Although no incidents have been reported in East Lancashire so far, officers from neighbourhood policing teams in Blackburn and Darwen have visited cash and carry businesses in the borough to encourage them to warn their customers to remain vigilant.

Insp Martyn Holt said the thieves are parking up in cash and carry car parks and waiting for customers to load their vehicles with shopping.

Rather than taking the items with the use of violence or threats, Insp Holt said the thieves are waiting to see if the customer leaves their vehicle unlocked when they return their trolley to the store. It is then the thieves unload the shopping, before driving off.

Insp Holt said: “We have received some information there has been some activity around the North West around cash and carry premises.

“We have received some intelligence around a gang waiting around cash and carry car parks. They are waiting for people coming out, who when they take their trollies back are leaving their boots open or their vehicles unlocked. The thieves are then unloading the vehicle and making off with quite high value items.

“There is no suggestion this gang is using force, they are more distraction-type crimes,

“We have been visiting cash and carry business to ask them to pass the message on to their customers about being vigilant around car parks, reporting any suspicious activity to us and ensuring their vehicles remain secure at all times.”

If you see anything suspicious, call police on 101. In an emergency call 999.