Police appeal for information about spate of purse thefts

Police are investigating a number of incidents in which purses have been stolen from elderly women while shopping at a Swindon supermarket.

One incident happened at approximately 10.15am on February 24 – a woman in her 70s was shopping in Morrisons in Thames Avenue with her handbag placed in the trolley when her purse was stolen which contained bank cards, a bus pass and cash. 

In a separate incident, at approximately 10.20am on March 3, a woman in her 80s was shopping in the same store when a man stole her purse from her handbag. The purse contained a debit card and approximately £150 cash.

Officers would like to speak to the man pictured in connection with both incidents. 

PC Stewart Hulmes said: “We’d like to remind people to be vigilant when out and about shopping – where possible try and keep your handbag and purses on your person, and consider using purse straps to ensure your purse is securely fastened inside your bag. Please also ensure bags are zipped shut so opportunist thieves don’t get an easy ride.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54200019232.

Alternatively call Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.