CCTV appeal after sentimental watch stolen in distraction theft in Cheltenham

Police want to identify two women in connection with a distraction theft in Prestbury, Cheltenham.

The incident happened on Friday morning (26 July) when two women approached an 84-year-old woman outside United Reform Church on Deep Street shortly before 10am.

It is believed that the two women used distraction techniques to confuse the elderly woman, talking at her quickly and touching her.

After the women left, the victim realised her watch was missing, along with a gold necklace and a gold engraved bangle.

The watch holds great sentimental value, as it belonged to the victim's late father and it was a gift to him for his 28 years of service in the armed forces.

Both women had walked from the direction of Bouncers Lane, and left afterwards in the same direction.

The women were described as being of southeast Asian heritage, of a medium build and they had dark hair. They were wearing dark-coloured trousers, white tops, with facemasks on and over the shoulder bags.

Officers are also investigating a separate report of two women approaching elderly individuals in Brewery Court car park in Cirencester around 50 minutes later.

The women approached members of the public and stated they were collecting money for charity. When one man refused to hand over any cash, one of the women grabbed his arm.

The pair asked people for personal details and cash, and when they were asked to provide identification and challenged, they hastily walked away.

Investigating officers are treating the incidents as linked and they are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the women, or anyone who saw them on the day.

Images of two women, which were taken in Cirencester, have been released and police want to identify them and speak to them in connection with both incidents.

You can provide information online by completing the following form and quoting incident 140 of 26 July: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/