SHOPPERS are being warned to be vigilant following three reports of thieves watching people punch in their PIN numbers at shop tills and then distracting them to steal their cards.

The gang follows victims out of the shops and distracts them using techniques including asking for directions with a map, feigning illness and collapsing and asking for change.

All the incidents have happened in the north of the county, including the Tesco store in Banbury, over the past few weeks.

Pc Richie Iwanoff said: “I would urge shoppers to be particularly vigilant when using chip and pin services and look out for anyone looking over your shoulder.”