CHRISTMAS shoppers in Crewe are being urged to be vigilant following a spate of purse thefts.

A total of six women have had their purses snatched in incidents in Crewe, Macclesfield, Nantwich, Sandbach and Northwich over the past week. All of the victims are over 60 and one is 90.

In the majority of the cases, bank cards from the purses were fraudulently used by the thieves.

The thefts took place between December 4 and December 10.

Superintendent Pete Crowcroft said: "Victims were targeted in supermarkets, as they queued up to use cash machines and as they were walking around shopping areas.

"Some were distracted and some were bumped into before realising that their purses had been stolen. Others have no idea how their purses were stolen from them.

"This type of crime tends to be more prevalent in the run up to Christmas, with busy shopping areas representing an ideal opportunity for thieves to strike."

The police chief added: "I'd encourage everyone, particularly the elderly as purse thieves usually target the elderly, to be extra vigilant when you are out over the Christmas shopping period and to never carry around large quantities of cash.

"Please also keep an eye out for suspicious activity when you are in or around shops and report any concerns."

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "These cruel thieves are clearly targeting vulnerable people in our communities.

"This despicable crime not only has a financial impact on its victims, it can also affect their confidence when out and about after many of them have been stuck at home for the majority of the year due to the pandemic."

Police stress there are a few simple precautions people can take to deter opportunistic thieves:

• Walk with a sense of purpose when in or near to shops

• Carry purses in a zipped-up bag and keep bags close at hand

• Attach an audible alarm to your purse/wallet

• Never leave your bag in a shopping trolley or basket