POLICE have issued a warning to Christmas shoppers after two women are targeted by a pair of distraction burglars in Basingstoke.

The first theft took place at the Morrisons supermarket car park at 11.30am on Saturday, November 28, and police believe the thieves struck again at the Chineham Shopping Centre on Wednesday, December 2.

In each case, a man said to be European or Middle Eastern parked his car behind a lone woman’s car and then pretended to be lost.

While he asked the victim for directions, a second man entered the victim’s car and stole cash and bank cards.

The man who distracted the women is described as overweight, unshaven, smelling strongly of cigarettes and aged in his mid 40s or mid 50s.

He drove a dark grey or silver saloon car.

PC Jim Charlton, of the Basingstoke Safer Neighbourhoods team, said: “We want to make people aware of this distraction type theft that has happened at least twice in Basingstoke.

“We believe that the accomplice may also follow the victims while they are shopping in an attempt to find out their PIN number when they are paying for their goods.

“Everyone is reminded to be vigilant and always secure their cars.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Charlton at Basingstoke police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.