POLICE are advising shoppers to be vigilant following a number of purse thefts in Northwich and Winsford town centres.

Officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit, which covers both towns, said there have been a number of incidents near supermarkets in the area.

DC Eli Atkinson said: "The offenders are targeting mainly elderly people and are noting PINs when the victims make a purchase at the till or when they use a cash machine.

"The offenders will then distract the victim before they have had chance to put their card away properly.

"They will do something like ask for directions or drop some money on the floor in front of the victim.

"While the victim is distracted they then take the opportunity to steal their cards and will try to use them to withdraw cash before the victim notices they are missing.

"Our advice is for shoppers to keep their purses and wallets safe in their handbags and pockets and keep their bags zipped and secured at all times."

As a further measure, purse bells which alert shoppers to would-be thieves are available from the help desk at Northwich Police Station or by approaching town centre officers.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity should contact police on 101 and anyone who sees suspicious activity at a supermarket till or in the car park should alert store security staff.