Tesco shoppers warned about 'cruel' trolley scam after woman has £1,000 stolen

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A grandma who had £1,000 stolen through a trolley scam while shopping at Tesco says she has been scarred for life.

The woman, who claims State Pension, was targeted by selfish scammers during a supermarket visit. We know it's not Manchester, but it could happen anywhere, so it's important to share.

Lola Sledmere, aged 88, had £1,000 taken at various cashpoints as far as 47 miles from her home over the following two days. She was distracted by a man when she went to return her trolley in the car park of the Tesco Superstore in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, and believes another crook sneaked into her car, just yards away, to take her card.

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The gran of seven saw CCTV taken inside the supermarket which appeared to show a third criminal loiter behind her and watch her insert her PIN at the checkout. She thinks the trio worked as a team to fleece her in the shocking broad daylight theft.

Since the incident Lola, who is a widow, has struggled to sleep and has become wary of leaving her home in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire. The mother of four told Express.co.uk : "I have been told this activity is rife, particularly in some supermarket car parks in and around London.

"It's affected me very much. I have been struggling to sleep because I think about it all the time. It is just so clear in my mind. I have felt sad and worried, and stupid to be honest. It is just very upsetting.

"I have been very very upset and I no longer trust people. It was absolutely disgusting."

The money is yet to be reimbursed into Ms Sledmere's account although police are investigating the theft. Ms Sledmere, who worked in psychology, added: "Of course, it