POLICE are warning people to be on their guard after three women had their purses stolen last Saturday lunchtime in Redditch town centre.
The first theft happened about 11.30am on March 7 in the Kingfisher Centre when a woman was walking from Roman Originals to the Body Shop and her navy blue leather purse, containing around £100, was taken from her handbag. The theif was not seen.
A woman in her 80s was also a victim of a theft at around 12.50pm on Market Place when it is believed her purse was stolen from her handbag.
Then at around 1.50pm in the Kingfisher Centre another woman discovered her purse had been stolen after she had walked from Nesta cafe to Humphries shoe shop. The black leather Radley purse, with a dog on the front, contained a very small amount of money. Again the pickpocket was not seen.
Police are looking into whether the incidents are linked.
A spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: “We advise the public to be vigilant and to keep handbags securely fastened when in busy public places and to not leave belongings unattended.
“It is also advised not to carry large amounts of money in purses, handbags or pockets.”
Anyone who sees anybody acting suspiciously or who witnesses a theft is asked to call police on 101.
