Twickenham police have been alerting banks to be aware of criminals targeting people as they leave banks, after cash was stolen from an elderly person.

PCSOs from Riverside safer neighbourhood team are investigating the distraction theft on May 8, whereby money was taken from the victim after they left a bank in the town centre.

Twickenham police tweeted the warning: “Be aware of criminals targeting people as they leave banks, spraying something on their back distracting them to steal personal property.”