POLICE in Hampshire have urged shoppers to be on their guard after a spate of purse snatches.

Since January 1, some 85 wallets and purses have been stolen from people shopping in Winchester, with elderly women a particular target.

In the latest incident, an 86-year-old woman had her handbag stolen from her unattended trolley while she was shopping in Tesco's in Winnall.

The theft closely mirrors other incidents in the city, with most victims telling police their wallet or purse was taken from an open or unattended bag.

Insp Kevin Baxman, who is leading the investigation, said: "The majority of these thefts have been from elderly women in supermarkets and shops.

"If their handbag is open and their purse near the top of the bag, it only takes a few seconds for someone to pick it out, often without the victim even noticing.

"If your purse is left in your shopping trolley and you turn your back on it for a few moments, that is all the opportunity a thief needs to make off with your possessions.

"I would remind shoppers to zip up their handbags at all times and not to leave their bag unattended in their shopping trolley."

Insp Baxman added that some thieves have stolen bank cards and telephoned victims, claiming to be from the bank or the police, and asking for their PIN number.

Neither police officers nor bank staff should ever ask for PIN numbers over the phone.

Anyone with information about any of the thefts should call Winchester police on on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.