Shoppers are being urged to safeguard their purses following a spate of thefts in Staffordshire stores, including in Stone.
Between Thursday 21st and Monday 25th July offenders struck in supermarkets and other shops in Stone, Lichfield, Burntwood, Rugeley, Cannock, Tamworth and Stafford.
Police are investigating whether the crimes are linked.
All of the victims have been women, with the majority elderly. Purses or wallets have been taken from them or their bags, or the bags themselves have been stolen. On two occasions, the thieves have gone on to withdraw money from their victim’s account using stolen bank cards.
Superintendent Juliet Prince, from Staffordshire Police, said: “We’re obviously investigating potential links between these crimes. On some occasions, victims have been distracted by being engaged in conversation with the thieves before realising their purse has gone.
“It appears that both male and female offenders are involved and are deliberately targeting elderly women or mothers with pushchairs.
“We’re asking shoppers to be vigilant and to safeguard their purses and bags at all times – particularly if a stranger tries to start a conversation with them.
“Anyone who sees anything suspicious or has an information about the crimes should ring us on 0300 123 4455.”
Shoppers are advised to take the following crime prevention measures:
- Always keep your purse out of sight
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and be careful not to let anyone see what’s in your purse as you pay for your goods
- Be vigilant and aware of who is around, particularly when withdrawing cash or using your credit/debit card. Make sure no-one is looking over your shoulder and use your free hand to cover over the hand used to enter the PIN never keep PIN numbers with bank cards
- Never leave purses or bags unattended on a trolley, pushchair or wheelchair.
