
Professional fraudsters operating locally have been stealing people's wallets and then getting the victims to reveal their PIN numbers... and taking thousands of pounds from their bank accounts.
Four thefts have been reported in Exeter., with others in Ottery St Mary and Tiverton.
The thieves have been targeting public places including hotels, hospitals and a golf club.
Those who'd had their cards stolen were then contacted by someone claiming to be from their bank, saying their property had been recovered and they needed to verify their details.