Detectives from East Surrey CID are renewing their appeal for information following distraction thefts against the elderly by releasing CCTV of a woman they would like to speak to.

On Wednesday, 3 December a woman in her 70s, visited Barclays bank on Dorking High Street to withdraw £1,000. After leaving the bank she walked with a friend across Sainsbury's car park when she noticed a strong smell and a yellow substance on the back of her jacket. Shortly after, two women appeared, acting in an animated fashion which officers now believe was a distraction technique. When she arrived home the victim noticed the envelope which contained the money was missing.

A similar offence occurred at the Epsom branch of Barclays bank at around 11.30am on Thursday, 4 December when a man in his 90s withdrew £1,000. The victim then took a rest on a seat in the Ashley Centre when he was approached by two women who appeared to want to help him clean a noxious brown substance which had appeared on the back of his head. It was later discovered that his money had also been stolen.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Errol Chetty, said: "Preying on vulnerable members of society is an inexcusable offence and several teams are working together to identify those responsible for the offences.

"One of the lines of enquiry we have been following up is studying CCTV in both towns where the offences occurred. We are now able to release an image of a woman who was in Dorking around the time of the first offence and we believe she may hold information vital to this investigation.

"I would urge the woman or anyone who can identify her to contact Surrey Police with information. Sometimes, for whatever reason, people wish to provide information anonymously and this can be done through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"I believe there could be other potential victims of these offences who have not yet come forward and I would ask these people to speak with us as we need to gather as much information on these crimes as possible.”

If you can assist with the investigation in anyway, please contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140102501.