Supermarket shoppers are being urged to be on their guard after a spate of credit or debit card thefts.

The warning from Medway police follows eight incidents this year in which people have had their cards stolen after being distracted by thieves.

Officers are asking shoppers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in supermarkets across the area.

All the reported incidents have been similar circumstances. First, a single person will loiter around the checkout or a cash machine. They are thought to be trying to get a view of a pin code. Once they have it, they contact someone in a waiting vehicle in the car park.

The people waiting in the car will drive up to the victim while they are putting shopping in their own car. They call the shopper over and ask for directions to either an airport or hospital. While the shopper gives directions, someone else will target bags that have been left unattended and try to steal the card.

PC Dan Bister said: “Once the card has been stolen, it is used very quickly at a nearby cash machine. Most of the time the quantity stolen is about £300 and is taken before the victim can report the card as stolen.

“Fortunately all of the victims so far have managed to get their money back from the banks, but it does cause them a significant inconvenience. The victims are usually either elderly men or women or middle-aged women.

The police have no clear descriptions of the offenders but men and woman are involved and they are all believed to be of Eastern European background.

PC Bister added: “Protect your pin number at all times and remain vigilant. If you are aware of any suspicious activity, or you have any information in relation to these thefts, contact Kent Police immediately.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01634 792685 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.