Be aware of 'road map thefts' in supermarket car parks

A WARNING has been issued by the Gendarmerie nationale about so-called 'road map thefts' taking place in supermarket car parks.

Thieves are watching shoppers when paying their bills and memorising PIN numbers, then once the person begins to load up their car, they are being approached by a couple with one brandishing a large road map asking for directions.

Whilst one thief tries to distract the shopper, the other targets the person's handbag or wallet, hoping in the confusion to steal it and quickly use it at a cash machine having noted the PIN number earlier.

Gendarmes in the Loire-Atlantique stopped a man suspected of being involved in around 30 similar incidents, along with several accomplices, and are warning people to be on their guard.