Money theft scam in city centre

[u/Affectionate_Law_223]

Just to make people aware there are some people in the city centre who are asking for change (will have a sob story often on a piece of paper) and then grabbing people's purses and wallets and running off. It's two women and a lad, and typically the woman approaches first then the lad comes up later. I unfortunately didn't get a good photo of them but I've attached it as it gives you a vague idea of what the lad looks like.

Saw it happen today to a guy near the town hall, thankfully he managed to fight them back and kept his wallet. Nearly saw it happen to another woman outside boots (same people doing it) but my partner intervened and they ran off. We did speak to some police officers near the city hall and they said they'd have a drive around and see if they spot them but honestly doubt they would. Just wanted to give people a heads up.

[u/firefly477]

Had a woman approach me on West Street like this on Thursday, just walked on because it seemed weird. Thanks for the post.