A fake charity collector hugged her unsuspecting victim while stealing cash from his wallet.

The distraction theft happened outside Waitrose in Witney on Friday morning (June 24) shortly after 10am.

A man was stopped by a woman who appeared to be collecting money for a charity/organisation.

She had a clipboard and appeared to be asking people to sign up.

He stopped to speak with her and after he donated some money she gave him a hug.

Shortly after the victim realised that cash had been stolen from his wallet.

The woman was described as white and very smartly dressed.

She did not speak to the victim.

TVP West Oxfordshire said: "There have been other similar reports of distraction thefts recently and so we would urge people to be cautious when handing over any money."

Anyone with information on this incident can report it on the Thames Valley Police website or if you think there is a crime in progress, call 999.