Credit Card Thieves Target Business Conferences

Edinburgh is the latest UK city to be targeted by gangs who target conference venues in order to steal credit card, cash and wallets from business people attending seminars.

The crooks dress in suits and carry briefcases in order to mingle with those attending business seminars before going on their thieving spree when the victims are at lunch.

The thieves have used the stolen plastic to withdraw tens of thousands pf pounds from ATM’s as well as making expensive purchases with the stolen cards.

While police have so far refused to name the conference venues that have fallen victim to these organised gangs, it is believed that between ten and fifteen venues have suffered these raids.

Police believe the gangs originate from the Midlands, with witnesses also reporting the suspects had accents from that region.

Their activities have been reported elsewhere the UK, including Newcastle, Devon, Thames Valley and Warwick.

The crooks are also believed to be skilled at evading CCTV cameras making it difficult to trace their identities.

Now police have been drafted in to warn venue staff about the scam and train them how to guard against the criminals.

Chief Inspector Willie Wills said: "These people are smartly dressed in business suits and look entirely presentable.

"When the businessmen go to lunch they might leave their jacket or briefcases behind, thinking that they will be safe in locked up rooms. These groups have then gained access and helped themselves to credit cards, debit cards, driving licences, wallets and IDs.

"Cash has been withdrawn from ATMs and purchases bought with the credit cards running into tens of thousands of pounds, but that figure could rise further as victims become aware of the missing money."

Ian Renton, conference manager at the Carlton Highland Hotel in North Bridge, which hosts events for firms including the Royal Bank of Scotland, as well as the Scottish Executive.

He said: "We had an issue with this about four months ago when the thieves hit one of our conferences. They gained entry to the conference room during lunch and stole credit cards.

"Our staff are now extra vigilant and ensure rooms are locked. We also warn our business delegates to be on their guard."

Lothian and Borders Police has been sharing intelligence on the gangs with forces across the country. The criminals continue to strike in a location until it reaches "saturation point" and their activities become well known.

Chief Insp Wills said: "These groups have been moving across the UK, not just targeting Edinburgh. They are professional, career criminals. Once their operation become over-exposed and too well-known in one location they move on to the next."

Officers from the force's community safety department are now visiting city venues to give advice on how to counter the gangs.

Alisdair Milton
20th June 2006