Recent Scratch Card Thefts Across the UK

Lots of people buy scratch cards with the hope of winning a life-changing sum of money. Whether it’s to pay off debts, move into a nicer house or buy a new car, it’s something we would all benefit from. Unfortunately, some desperate people are going about it the wrong way and acquiring scratch cards through illegal means.

Scratch Card Thieves In Barry Sentenced

In February 2013, two residents of Barry, Wales pleaded guilty to the theft of more than £1000 worth of National Lottery scratch cards.
Cardiff and Vale Magistrates heard that Gerald Bertram Morris and Julie Ann Weeks entered the WH Smith store in Holton and made off with the wad of scratch cards. The man has been sentenced to 6 months in prison with his sentence suspended for a year, and he is on a 9pm to 7am curfew until then. He was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and made to pay £80 to the victim. Morris’ partner in crime, Weeks, was given a four-month curfew and a £60 fine.

Armed Robbery In Ballymena

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a scratch card heist in Ballymena, Northern Ireland in April 2013. According to a report, a man with a knife entered the shop and demanded money. The thief is described to be from 25-30 years old, tall and thin. He made off with a large quantity of scratch cards. No one was injured during the event but staff who were working were left shaken up, a spokesperson said.

Hunt for ‘Hole In The Wall Gang’

A group of thieves who have been called the ‘hole in the wall gang’ are believed to be responsible for breaking into two shops in Middleton early in April 2013. The gang first hit Jubilee store by removing bricks from the wall of an adjacent derelict building and breaking in from inside. The gang stole cigarettes, alcohol and money worth at least £5,000.

The shop owner was alerted to the crime when he received a call from the alarm company, after the burglars triggered the alarm and fled. Just two days later, supposedly the same gang entered another derelict building and broke into Lakeside News store on Langley Estate. The thieves made off with scratch cards, cash, cigarettes and groceries. Both of the victims urged the local council to ensure that the adjacent derelict buildings are properly secured.

Of course you don’t need to steal scratch cards when you can get them for FREE on the internet, a number of online gaming companies will give you real money scratch cards to play online for free! Currently Jackpot Joy has a daily free scratch card game and also Ladbrokes Games is giving all new players who join a risk free way to win: just deposit and spend £10 on a selection of games and if you don’t win Ladbrokes Games will give you your money back!