THIEVES used the ruse of a serious toothache to distract a woman before stealing her bank card and attempting to withdraw hundreds of pounds in cash.

The victim was shopping at Tesco Hythe, in Greenstead Road, Colchester, just after 12noon on Thursday.

After paying for her items she returned to her vehicle and placed her shopping in the backseat of the car.

The victim, who asked not to be named, said: “Just as I was about to get into the driver’s door, I was approached by a well-dressed woman.

“She told me she had chronic toothache and asked for information on a good emergency dentist in Colchester.

“She was asking for directions there and even had me put the address in to her phone.

“I didn’t notice anything, but as I drove off the passenger side door was open slightly. I did not twig and I just pulled over, shut the door and carried on.

“It was not until I got to work and I got a call from Barclays I realised what had happened.”

While she was distracted trying to help the woman with dental advice, an accomplice had opened the passenger door and taken her card from inside her purse.

The thieves had also spied on the victim entering her pin number at the till inside the store.

After taking the card, they withdrew £20 to test the pin, before attempting to withdraw £300 at another cash point.

Luckily the victim’s bank noticed the unusual transactions.

She said: “It is obvious they knew what they were doing.

“It is so brazen. They even went into Barclays in the High Street to try to get cash.”

The distraught victim said she wanted to warn others to be aware of similar tricks used by thieves.

“I cannot believe it happened to me, if I am honest. I was just trying to be friendly and help someone out,” she said.

“I am always telling people not to fall victim to telephone scams and be careful but this is exactly the same sort of thing.”

Essex Police asked any witnesses to contact 101.