Thieves in Market Drayton targeted an elderly lady while she was out shopping.

The woman was shopping at the town’s weekly market with her handbag attached to her mobility trolley when two women approached.

One was seen to reach into the women’s bag before both made off, and the victim then realised her black leather purse, which contained about £80 in notes and an amount of change, was gone.

The incident happened on Wednesday, at about 11.15am, while the woman was looking at a stall near Wilkinson Walk.

Police are now warning people to keep a close eye on their bags and ensure valuables, such as purses, are not within easy reach of thieves.

Constable Paul Tomkins said: “Both women are described as being of Asian origin, one of them middle-aged the other appeared to be in her early 20s.

“If anybody saw persons matching this description in town during the market, I would ask them to get in touch with me on 0300 333 3000.

“Keep an eye on your bag, never leaving it on a trolley or unattended even for just a few seconds and be aware of who is around you, particularly in shops and just after you have used a cash machine.

“People should keep purses and other valuables at the very bottom of their bags, which are securely zipped up or fastened, or in the inside pocket of a coat. This keeps them from the easy reach of thieves.”