UNDERCOVER police will be operating in Bromsgrove in the run-up to Christmas to target purse thieves.

These thefts often increase during the festive period, as thieves take advantage of crowded stores, and distracted shoppers, who are likely to be carrying more cash than usual.

The most recent purse thefts included two on Saturday, November 29, when a 60-year-old woman had her purse stolen in Asda, in Market Street, between 1.15pm and 1.45pm and an 85-year-old woman had her purse stolen in Woolworths, in High Street, at 1.30pm.

The 60-year-old woman’s purse contained a £50 Bon Marche voucher, £25 cash and photographs of her grandchildren.

She was shopping with her husband at the time. Her husband said: “My wife found it very upsetting. It wasn’t the money as much as the loss of our grandchildren’s pictures that she found distressing.

“It was a large purse and only just fit in her bag. The thieves did the catch up again when they had taken it so she did not immediately realise it had been stolen.” The couple do not want to be identified.

The woman later remembered a man acting suspiciously near her, and also two women who “boxed her in” in one of the aisles. The man is described as being aged about 65, of eastern European appearance, of stocky build, balding and wearing a grey or beige jacket. The women were about 18, possibly oriental, wearing black leggings, and one was wearing a silver jacket.

The 85-year-old woman’s purse contained £30 cash.

PC Steve Yapp, local policing officer for the town centre, said patrols by plain-clothed as well as uniformed officers were being increased during December.

He said: “We hope the high visibility patrols by uniformed officers will give reassurance, while the plain clothes officers will be mingling with shoppers, and keeping an eye on any suspects. CCTV operators are also keeping a close watch on the town centre, particularly at this time of year.”

PC Yapp added: “In summary, keep bags zipped and keep them close.

“No matter how busy the store or how long the queue to pay, shoppers should not feel rushed at the till but take the time to put their purse away properly and securely fasten their bag.”

Anyone with information relating to purse thefts in Bromsgrove can call police on the new non-emergency number, 0300 333 3000, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.