Thief stole £500 after woman forgot to take money from New Milton cash machine

A THIEF took £500 which a woman forgot to take with her after withdrawing it from a cash machine in New Milton.

Police are now investigating the incident at the unit outside HSBC in Station Road on Monday morning.

It is believed the suspect has been caught on CCTV taking the cash which had been dispensed just moments before.

Bex Jenkins, whose 63-year-old mother lost the money, told the A&T: “My parents are both really distressed by this. My mum realised almost instantly what she had did and returned to the ATM within a minute but the money had gone.

“It can only be the woman who was behind her as it would not have vanished so quickly. We are hoping she has the decency to give it back.”

Hampshire police confirmed officers were investigating the incident, which happened at about 10am.

The force said in a statement: “She forgot to take the cash and went into the bank.

"A short time later she remembered and returned to the ATM, but her money had been taken by another woman."

Bex added on social media: “It’s all on CCTV and the police have been informed. I’m not just on about £10 – this was £500!

“Some woman who was behind mum took it. If you are reading this and you are a decent person, either message me directly or take it to HSBC before you get arrested as the CCTV has very clear pictures of you!

"Do the decent thing and hand it back. My parents are both disabled and £500 is a lot of money.”

Those with information should call Hampshire police on 101 quoting 44220442257.