People have been warned to remained vigilant in the run up to Christmas after a spate of distraction thefts at cash points.

A woman dropped coins on the ground next to a woman who had just withdrawn money from an ATM in Crawley on November 7.

A man then sprayed painted the victim’s jacket to distract her and stole the money from her pocket.

On November 27, a man withdrew money from a cashpoint at The Martlets and walked back to his car.

He was then approached by a man who told him he had dropped money, and when the victim bent down to retrieve it, he stole the victim’s jacket which had the withdrawn cash inside.

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Spray paint was also involved in this incident.

Officers are urging the public to stay alert, particularly as Christmas nears and high streets are busier.

“If you have any information relating to the offences above, or if you want further advice on how to keep yourself safe from distraction thefts, you can visit your local police station, visit the Crawley engagement pod in the high street, call 101 or visit the Sussex Police website,” said a Sussex Police spokesman.