We are urging people to remain vigilant against pickpockets on the high street.

This comes following a report made yesterday (13 July) of an elderly man’s watch being stolen in Horncastle.

The man had used an ATM at the town centre when he was approached by two women with a clipboard. This happened at around 1.40pm.

Both women claimed to have been collecting signatures and money for a deaf charity. After providing his signature, the victim noticed his watch had been taken from his wrist.

The women were described as being in their early 20s, approximately 5ft 4ins tall and of a slim build. They had dark shoulder length hair with a centre parting and one of the women was using sign language.

We received a similar report on Friday 23 June in Horncastle. a man was also approached by two women with a clipboard, and both were asking for signatures and money for a deaf charity.

After interacting with both women, he realised a sum of cash had been taken from his wallet.

The women were described as being in their early 20s, with long hair.

If you witnessed either incidents or have any other information that can assist with our investigations, please get in touch by emailing PC John Biggs [email protected] quoting incident 211 of 13 July or inc 285 of 23 June.

Stay safe 

There are a number of ways that you can keep yourself safe from pickpockets.

• Be aware of your surroundings in busy shops, markets, and shopping centres. They are ideal places for pickpockets.
• Keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times.
• Return cards to your purse of wallet quickly to make sure it’s secure.
• Try to carry your bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest.
• Keep wallets, purses, and phones in a zipped pocket or inside a bag, and not in your back pocket.

Stay alert and if you see any suspicious activity taking place, report it to us.