Elderly women have been conned out of almost £10,000 in a car park distraction scam.

Police have warned shoppers to beware of a gang targeting pensioners loading bags into their cars outside supermarkets.

The gang ask for directions and then steal wallets, purses and bank cards while their victim's back is turned.

The gang has stolen about £9,500 in the past five months from OAPs in Witney, Abingdon, Wantage and Wallingford.

Investigating officer Pc Jennifer Scott said: "Each of the victims has been left very shaken.

"I would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any of these incidents or who may have seen people acting suspic- iously."

In all the thefts, the women were approached in car parks, by between one and three people, while putting their shopping into cars.

The thieves ask for directions and often produce a map.

While the shopper is distracted, they steal purses and wallets — and then use the victim's bank cards. Following one theft, the gang managed to withdraw more than £4,000.

Police believe the gang might have first watched shoppers typing their pin numbers into cash machines.

Although the first theft hap- pened in June, there have been three identical distraction thefts this month.

Thames Valley Police crime reduction officer John McNicholas said: "These offenders are using a distraction technique to steal belongings from shoppers in supermarket car parks.

"While the victim is busily loading bags into their boot, the offenders have approached them with a map to ask directions to places such as Dover and Cardiff.

"The map is then used to conceal the victim's bag.

"While the offender keeps them busy studying it, their purse or wallet is removed from beneath the map. It is not until after the offenders have fled that the theft has been discovered. "These people are very plausible and it seems these victims have been easily duped into helping because the offender has taken advantage of their kind nature.

"My advice is to keep your purses and wallets concealed from view and be wary and cautious if anybody asks you for directions."

There have been nine similar incidents in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in the past eight months, which police believe are linked.

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.