A MAN has been charged with a number of distraction thefts and the fraudulent use of banks cards including one in Moreton.

Didi Ristic, aged 22, of Millfield Road, Birmingham will appear before magistrates in Cheltenham on Wednesday, April 9 facing four counts of theft and three counts of fraud by misrepresentation.

The theft charges relate to offences in Tewkesbury, Cirencester and Moreton between October 2013 and January this year where victims were watched while they used their PIN before their bank cards were stolen.

The fraud charges relate to the use of stolen cards in Evesham, Cheltenham and Bristol.

PC Annabel Brittain said: “Can I remind everyone once again to cover their PIN so that thieves can't make note of it. Please also be aware that distraction techniques are used to take your attention away from keeping hold of your handbag or purse.

“If we are all careful to hide our PIN with one hand when at shop check-outs then we'll see a decrease in these type of offences."