Declan Murphy exploited the common habit of using the same four-digit PIN for gym lockers and bank cards, enabling him to execute his thefts. His method involved identifying victims, stealing their bank cards, and damaging their phones to prevent easy access to banking notifications. By creating this window of opportunity, he successfully drained accounts and attempted major purchases before being caught.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Ives emphasized the breach of trust gym-goers feel, stating that "People who visit gyms expect their belongings to be safe in their lockers and don't tend to expect anyone to be looking over their shoulder and steal." This highlights the shocking nature of Murphy's crimes and the need for increased vigilance.
After injuring unsuspecting victims, Murphy turned to impersonating them swiftly calling their banks. This deceitful act allowed him to gain internet access to their accounts, leading to swift financial losses. Such tactics underline the importance of not only protecting physical belongings but also securing personal information.
The City of London Police is now urging the public to avoid using identical PIN numbers across different platforms, highlighting how one shared PIN can lead to severe vulnerabilities and exploitation by criminals like Murphy.
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