Stamford shoppers are offered police advice after elderly women are targeted by a purse thief
Elderly shoppers have been targeted by a purse thief who got away with £460.
Two separate incidents were reported to the police on Friday last week.
An 84-year-old woman believes her purse was taken from her bag while she was shopping at Savers in High Street, Stamford, and her card was used minutes later at the Halifax cash machine.
At 11.14am an attempt to withdraw £500 was rejected but £300 was withdrawn succesfully a minute later followed by a further £100.
The woman's purse was later found hidden in the pocket of some clothing for sale in the British Heart Foundation charity shop.
The second incident was reported at 11.30am in the same charity shop.
A 78-year-old woman believes her purse was taken from her bag while she was in the British Heart Foundation.
It contained £60 in cash and her bus pass.
Inspector Rachel Blackwell has urged shoppers to be vigilant.
She said: "At this time of year we see a seasonal increase in the number of purse thefts, which are often removed from a person's bag or pocket.
"If you're in a busy place and jostling with other shoppers, it's important to have extra vigilance and always keep your bag and purse close.
"I'd encourage people to make sure their purse is attached to their bag in some way."
Police will be reviewing the charity shop's CCTV as part of the investigation.
In a separate incident, a shopper's handbag was stolen while they were shopping at Morrisons in Stamford at around 4pm on Tuesday.
