Supermarket shoppers in Dover, Deal and Sandwich are being warned to be on their guard if they are approached by strangers asking for directions in the car park.

It follows a series of incidents, including one at Tesco’s store at Whitfield, in which senior citizens have had their bank cards stolen.

The Whitfield incident happened on April 9 when the victims were a couple in their 70s. The same day a woman in her 60s was targeted at Tesco’s store at Cheriton, followed by a woman in her 80s on May 16 at Morrison’s in Folkestone, and on Saturday a woman in her 60s became the latest victim at Tesco’s at Ashford.

It is thought the offenders work in a gang of three, two men and a young woman, and while one distracts the shopper to ask for directions, the other two steal the person’s bank card, having possibly noticed them enter their PIN on the chip and pin machine at the check out.

The stolen cards have been subsequently used in Ilford and Charlton.

The offenders are described as eastern European and do not speak very good English.

Acting Inspector Neil Minter is advising shoppers to beware.

"Make sure no one can see you enter your PIN whilst in the shop, and beware if anyone approaches you while you are putting your shopping in the car. Keep hold of your purse and bag or lock them in your car and remember you can of course say ‘NO’ and politely refuse to offer help.

"If you see anyone acting suspiciously or feel threatened contact the police."