ANOTHER elderly woman has been targeted by a distraction thief while she was shopping in Droitwich.
The incident happened at 10.35am on last Wednesday morning in Waitrose car park.
The 77-year-old was loading her shopping into the boot of her car when she became aware of a woman standing by her trolley which had her bag on it.
She then saw the woman close her bag and walk off and when the victim checked her bag she realised her purse had gone.
The thief was white, in her late 40s to early 50s, 5ft 6ins tall and of slight to medium build.
She had black hair which was tied back and was wearing all black clothing.
This latest theft came just days after uniformed and plain-clothed officers from Droitwich SNT had been out and about in the town centre in a bid to clamp down and prevent distraction thefts.
Whilst on patrol in the town centre, Officers identified a number of people who had left their purses or wallets in vulnerable places whilst they were shopping and as such, purse bells which ring when pickpockets try to steal items, were handed out.
Sgt Sarah Kent from Droitwich Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) said there was no particular pattern to the thefts and that they had been carried out by different people or groups of people who were not from the area and were deliberately coming to Droitwich to target vulnerable residents.
“We’re often too trusting in this country and always willing to help people but residents need to be careful and be aware of who is around them.”
She said residents should be wary of people asking for help with anything and of people getting too close.
The police advise bags are kept shut, close to the owner and always in view, that PINs are not kept with cash cards and to avoid carrying valuables in outside pockets of bags.
Witnesses to the theft last week or anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Droitwich Police have reiterated advice to shoppers, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, to be vigilant and aware of the people around them.
