Thieves targeted a 90-year-old man twice in three weeks as he was using a cash machine.

Officers are investigating after the thefts took place inside two banks in High Road, North Finchley.

On April 27, the victim had just put his card into the machine in Natwest when a man suddenly appeared at his side and pressed the eject button.

The thief snatched the card and ran off.

The victim was targeted again on May 19 inside Santander – but managed to keep hold of his card after becoming alert to the danger.

His wife, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “My husband remains very calm. The point is to warn people there are thieves in North Finchley.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On both occasions thieves tried to distract a 90-year-old man as he was withdrawing money. He became suspicious on both occasions and alerted bank staff.

“No money was stolen and there were no arrests.”