Lincolnshire pensioner's wallet stolen in distraction theft

Brian Smith is warning people to be vigilant around cashpoints

An 81-year-old man is warning people to be vigilant after his wallet was stolen in a distraction theft.

Brian Smith had just withdrawn money from a cashpoint in Bourne last week while sitting on his mobility scooter.

He said a man distracted him by pretending to help while another took his wallet containing £55 which was placed on the seat.

Lincolnshire Police has advised people to stay vigilant of other people while using cash machines.

The RAF veteran said he was shocked by the incident.

"I'm a compassionate fellow but I'm also very weak. I was an ideal target for them," he said.

"Since it happened I've been speaking to total strangers and telling them to be more vigilant.

"They don't need to take your PIN numbers because they know you've just taken money and you've got it in your pocket."

Lincolnshire Police said it was investigating the theft

Since posting his story on social media, Mr Smith has had thousands of messages of support including an offer to repay the lost money, which he declined.

"Like most pensioners, I can't really afford it but there are a lot of people that are really scraping for pennies during these problems that we've got in this country," Mr Smith said.

"I'm thankful that it was me and that I didn't get harmed, rather than those people that are scraping for pennies."

Lincolnshire Police has issued CCTV images of two men they want to talk to

Lincolnshire Police has issued images of two men "who can help us with our enquiries".

The force added it was "following a number of lines of enquiry about who is responsible for this theft".