A CCTV image of a woman believed to have information relating to distraction thefts in Herefordshire town has been released by police.

Officers have received reports of ‘distraction’ type thefts after cash was stolen from people who have stopped and spoken to a woman who said she was from a charity.

One victim was approached by a woman who said she was seeking sponsorship in West Croft, Leominster, at around 12.30pm on November 1. The man stopped and spoke to the woman, but later realised his wallet was missing.

At around the same time on the same day a second man was approached by a woman in the High Street, Leominster, who was again seeking sponsorship.

The man later noticed that cash had been stolen from his wallet.

PC Liam Green said: “We are keen to talk to the lady in the CCTV image as we believe she may have information regarding the incidents. It is believed these crimes are linked to similar incidents in Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye.

“Genuine charity collectors will carry identification, charity collecting tins and will not ask the person donating for ID. I’d like to urge people to be vigilant if they are approached and asked to donate money.”

Police are warning members of the public to be wary of donating cash to street charity collectors without checking they are genuine.