POLICE in Andover are warning shoppers to be on their guard against opportunist thieves who are targeting them as they pack their cars or assist their children.
On Monday a woman had her purse stolen as she emptied her trolley at Tesco on River Way at 3.45pm.
"It happened very quickly and she was almost unaware of it all," said Pc Ted Reynolds from Andover CID.
"She saw a young lad running off."
The boy is described as ten to 12, with blonde hair. He was wearing a brown jacket and light trousers, possibly grey and fled in the direction of Churchill Way.
The incident comes as an elderly patient on Kingfisher Ward at Andover War Memorial Hospital had her purse stolen by a stranger who gained access to the ward.
"She was approached by a man who asked her a couple of questions, before leaving with her black purse," said Pc Reynolds.
The man is described as white, aged between 20 and 30. He was wearing a light coloured jacket, darker trousers and white trainers.
If you have any information on either of these incidents, please call Andover police on 0845 045 45 45.
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