About 1445 hours on Tuesday 24th February 2009 two eastern European males entered the Bank of Scotland, High Street, Nairn, whilst a third male remained outside the bank acting as a lookout.
One of the males entered the bank and asked the cashier to exchange a large quantity of notes for smaller denominations. Whilst the cashier counted the notes, the male then distracted/confused the cashier by asking for directions and foreign currency.
During this time the male was able to steal a quantity of the cash from the cashier without her realising and all three males made off.
Fortunately the staff at the bank realised and contacted the Police immediately where descriptions were passed to surrounding forces. A short time later the three males were traced and detained within Grampian Area for attempting another distraction theft.
The three males will be appearing at court from custody in connection with these matters.
There has been several previous distraction thefts in an around Northern Constabulary force area. This matter is again highlighted to make the public aware and for them to be extra vigilant when being asked to exchange large quantities of money or goods.
Chair: Jim Ferguson
