SHOPPERS in Bromsgrove are being warned to be on their guard after a woman had her purse snatched from her handbag on Friday (February 5).
When the woman, who was on her own, arrived at one of the market stalls, she noticed it was missing and later her bank cards were used by the thieves to withdraw cash from her accounts.
It is believed the woman was followed down the High Street by a group who then carried out the theft.
Following the incident, the police have issued advice to shoppers.
They urge residents to take care withdrawing money from ATM machines and to be aware of who is around them.
Purses should be kept at the bottom of handbags and they should always by zipped up so the contents are not on display.
People should not carry large amounts of cash on them and PINs should never be written down and kept in handbags or in pockets.
Any witnesses or anyone with any information on the theft which took place on Friday should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
