Purse Thefts In Kidderminster And Bromsgrove

Police are appealing to people to be vigilant after two purse thefts in Kidderminster and Bromsgrove town centres.

The Kidderminster offence happened in the High Street between 3pm and 3.15pm yesterday, Thursday 15 December.

The victim, a 69-year-old woman, had just parked her car behind T J Hughes and walked towards the town centre when she was approached by a man holding a £1 coin and asking for change. The victim opened her purse and offered him some change, at which point he put his fingers into her purse. The victim gave him some more change and he walked away. A short time later she realised £80 in notes had gone from the purse.

The man is described as olive skinned, with black hair, smartly dressed and wearing a black leather jacket

The Bromsgrove incident happened in Aldi, Sherwood Road, at about 2.30pm yesterday, Thursday.

The victim, an 84-year-old woman, was looking in the freezer cabinets when a man reached into her shopping bag, which was hanging on her trolley, and took her purse containing £50 cash and bank and store cards. He then left the store.

He is described as white, aged 30 to 40 years old, around 5ft 8ins tall, medium build, approx 5ft8, balding with dark hair, glasses wearing grey coat with striped top underneath and blue jeans.

Both victims were distressed by the thefts.

Most purse thefts are opportunistic, but do tend to happen more during the approach to Christmas, when offenders know shoppers are likely to be carrying more cash.

Shoppers are being urged to stay vigilant. Keep handbags and purses securely fastened, don't leave bags unattended, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and don't keep PIN numbers with bank cards.

Witnesses or anyone with information about are asked to contact West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000, asking for PC James and quoting incident 172-n-151211 for the Kidderminster theft, and asking for PC Andy Wright and quoting 184-n-151211for the Bromsgrove theft. Alternatively ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Issued: Friday, 16 December 2011