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Staffordshire Police are reporting that shoppers in Hanley and other town centres of Stoke on Trent to be vigilant when withdrawing large amounts of money from the bank or cash points.

The police have had reports of people withdrawing large amounts of money where they have been unknowingly followed around the town by groups for them to be pickpocketed and their cash taken.

These groups are very well organised and can remove your money without your knowledge and appear as every day shoppers.

Please try not to withdraw large amounts of money unless absolutely necessary.

Please be vigilant and aware of your surroundings and anybody who may be following you, keep your money secure inside a bag or coat in a zipped pocket that would be difficult to open by others without your knowledge.

These incidents can be a very distressing to the victim and their families.