POLICE are warning people in Oxford not to give their PIN or bank details to anyone over the phone, after two incidents involving fraudsters and two further thefts which police believe could be linked.

Two people, who had their purses stolen from shops in Botley and Summertown on Tuesday, were later called by a man claiming to be from Thames Valley Police. He asked for their bank details and PIN numbers.

A second man was also put on the line claiming to be the bank manager. Both victims had money stolen from their accounts before they were able to cancel their cards.

There were two other thefts on the same day in similar circumstances but these people were not called by the fraudsters. Police believe all four incidents could be linked.

Det Con Dave Evans said: "I urge anyone who gets a phone call asking for any personal details not to give them over the phone. There is no way of verifying who you are talking to, even if the person is claiming to be from the police or your bank.

"If it is a genuine call they will not mind you taking their name and verifying with either the bank or police. If you receive such a call then please contact police.

"We are also keen to speak to a man who was in a newsagents on The Square in Botley at the time a hand bag was stolen, around 12.55pm. He spoke to the shop assistant about a magazine and purchased a music magazine. He is white, in his 40's, stocky, 5ft 10in to 6ft with short, light, receding hair. He was wearing a pale blue crew-neck T-shirt and had black boots with a silver buckle.

"If this was you then please contact us as you could be a vital witness. If anyone else has information or has been called by someone asking for their pin number then please contact police."

  • Contact Det Con Evans via 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.