Man steals banknotes from 75-year-old with toilet change ruse

A 75-year-old woman had several banknotes stolen in a suspected distraction theft in Gmunden on Tuesday, ORF reported. The incident happened at about 9:45 a.m. near Kammerhofgasse, where an unknown man asked her to change a two-euro coin, saying he needed coins to use a public toilet.

As the woman searched her purse for change, the man apparently took several banknotes without her noticing and left. Police had not released information about his identity.

Police warned that thieves may target older people with requests for change or help. They advised people not to display their wallets openly or let strangers get close to them while handling money. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted should report it to police promptly.