CASH has been stolen in distraction thefts across Herefordshire.

Police said the victims had stopped and spoken to a woman who said she was from a charity.

One victim was in West Croft, Leominster, when he was approached by a woman who said she was seeking sponsorship at around 12.30pm on November 1.

The man stopped and spoke to the woman and then later noticed his wallet was missing.

A second man was approached by a woman who was again seeking sponsorship at a similar time in Leominster High Street.

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

Similar incidents happened on Church Lane, Ledbury at around midday on October 18.

Police said a woman was approached by a woman claiming to be from a charity.

While making a small donation to the collector, she was asked to show ID by the collector. She later found money had been stolen from her purse.

Another woman reported that she was approached by a woman asking for charity donations on the High Street on October 24 on the High Street.

But she became suspicious of the woman and decided not to hand any money over.

PC Liam Green, of Ross on Wye said: “We are still keen to talk to the lady in the CCTV image as we believe she may have information regarding the incidents. We have released a second image in the hope of someone recognising her.

“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.”

Anyone who may have information on these distraction thefts is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.