A 60-YEAR-OLD man has fallen victim to an alleged distraction thief who stole his card at a cashpoint in Grays.

Police want to identify a man who they think may be responsible for the distraction theft.

The incident took place at the Barclays cashpoint in Lodge Lane, Socketts Heath, sometime between 9.30am and 10am on Tuesday, July 15.

The man is believed to have distracted the victim, a man in his 60s who lives in Grays, whilst he was using the cashpoint and then took his card.

The card was later used to try and withdraw money from his bank account.

The man in the image is described as being aged between 25 and 35 was around 6ft tall and had black, short hair. He was wearing a top and dark trousers.

He was seen driving a black car, possibly a Peugeot.

Investigating Officer PC Paul Lamb said: "I would urge anybody who recognises this man to come forward.

“Luckily the victim managed to alert his bank before his cash card was used. I would also urge people to be aware when using cashpoints, make sure nobody is hovering nearby when you use them.”

There is extra advice on staying safe on the Essex Police website, www.essex.police.uk Anybody with any information is asked to contact Pc Paul Lamb at Grays on Essex Police 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.