Thieves snatched a purse belonging to a 94-year-old woman while she did her shopping at a north Shropshire supermarket, police said today.

Thieves snatched a purse belonging to a 94-year-old woman while she did her shopping at a north Shropshire supermarket, police said today.

The victim, who has not been named, fell foul of the thief, branded a “purse-dipper” by police, while she visited Morrisons in Maer Lane, Market Drayton.

Police have today issued a warning to shoppers across Shropshire to be on their guard following a number of purse thefts reported in various parts of the county.

In the Market Drayton incident, the 94-year-old had her purse taken from her wicker shopping basket while shopping between 1.15pm and 1.20pm.

Thieves snatched a purse belonging to a 94-year-old woman while she did her shopping at a north Shropshire supermarket, police said today.

The victim, who has not been named, fell foul of the thief, branded a “purse-dipper” by police, while she visited Morrisons in Maer Lane, Market Drayton.

Police have today issued a warning to shoppers across Shropshire to be on their guard following a number of purse thefts reported in various parts of the county.

In the Market Drayton incident, the 94-year-old had her purse taken from her wicker shopping basket while shopping between 1.15pm and 1.20pm.

The woman told police she felt her basket move and noticed a man standing close to her who moved away immediately when he saw she had seen him.

Moments later she noticed her purse containing cash was missing.

Constable Lyn Downes, who is investigating the Market Drayton theft, said: “Keep an eye on your bag, never leave it on a trolley or unattended even for just a few seconds and be aware of who is around you, particularly in shops.”

She added: “The offender is described as white, in his late 20s, of average build and wearing dark clothing.”