Seven thefts have been reported in the past two months. It is believed that the offenders follow the same method each time.
Pictures of the three people police want to speak to.They appear to wait in and around banks for usually elderly victims, who are then watched as they enter their debit card PIN number into a cash machine. The victim is then followed as they shop, and their purse or wallet is stolen.
In some instances, a number of women and a man have approached victims in charity shops, asking them for advice on clothing to distract them while their purse is stolen.
The card is later used to withdraw money at cash machines outside Mansfield.
PCSO James Wilkinson said: "We believe the individuals in these CCTV images may be able to provide us with vital information about these purse thefts. I'd like them or anyone who knows who they are to contact us at the earliest opportunity."
He also warned people to shield their PIN number when they are entering it into a cash machine, and to try and keep wallets and purses in zipped up inner pockets or at the bottom of a bag. Anyone who recognises the individuals or knows anything about the thefts should call Notts Police on 101, extension 805 3442 or canCrimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
[Judging by the pictures, these characters 'appear' to resemble eastern european Romani gypsy types]
