CROOKS targeted an elderly woman at a bank, stealing her bank card.

The 87-year-old woman was withdrawing money from a cashpoint outside Barclays bank in Market Avenue, Wickford, at 11am on Friday, June 22.

The women noticed a man standing close behind her talking on a mobile phone.

As she walked in the direction of Wickford Library, two women approached her and claimed she had dropped some money.

One of the women attempted to put a £5 note into her hand and told her to check her bag.

When the woman took out her purse and opened it, the second woman grabbed at it. The women then walked past the library away from the High Street.

The victim then found her bank card was missing.

The man was described as about 6ft tall, with an olive complexion, and of large build. He wore a black baseball cap, white shirt and jeans.

The first woman was described as being aged around 20 to 30 years old and the second was described as being middle aged.

The women are described as having an olive complexion.

Andy Barnes, chairman of Basildon Council’s community committee said this is terrible news.

He said: “I would encourage anyone who knows anything about this or can help at all contact Essex Police to help with their investigations.

“I think this will worry a lot of elderly people as they are vulnerable to these sort of incidents.

“I would also urge anyone who is elderly to take care when being out and dealing with money.

“If they are concerned or worried they should take someone with them or take other necessary precautions.”

Officers are appealing for information to identify the three people involved in the incident in Wickford.

Anyone who has any information about what happened is asked to contact PC Sandra Kelleher in the Basildon Local Policing Team on 101 quoting reference 42/87683/18.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org