Police have issued a warning about distraction thefts after a man stole money from an elderly driver.

The woman returned to her car in Alba Gardens, Golders Green, on Wednesday, June 25 after a shopping trip.

She put her shopping bags in the car, placed her handbag on the front passenger seat and got into the driver’s seat.

The victim was getting ready to drive when a man tapped on her passenger window and said there were lots of coins under her car and that her purse must be open.

The woman got out to have a look and the man offered to help. He asked if she could get her walking stick from the car to help him reach the coins.

When the woman got back into the car she noticed her purse, which had been in her handbag, lying on the front passenger seat, and that a £20 note was missing.

The suspect is described as a man, of European appearance, who is between 40 and 50-years-old and approximately 5ft 6ins in height.

He was wearing a light colour, short-sleeved shirt.

Barnet Police are warning people to contact them if approached by someone using a similar ruse.