Police officers investigating the theft of a purse at a supermarket in Gillingham are issuing CCTV images of the suspects.

The incident occurred around 10am on Thursday 18 July 2019 at the Waitrose store at Chantry Fields.

It is believed a woman and man watched the victim, a woman aged in her 80s, shopping in the store.

When the woman got to a customer till to purchase food items, she realised her purse had been taken from her handbag. The purse contained approximately £150 in cash and her debit card.

The victim’s purse was later located in a nearby recycling bin following enquiries by officers but the £150 cash was missing. The debit card was still in the purse and there was no attempt to use it.

Police Community Support Investigator Millie Vaughan, of North Dorset police, said: ‘We have made a number of enquiries into this incident and have obtained CCTV images of both of the suspects.

‘I would urge anyone with information as to their identity to contact us.

‘There have been a number of similar incidents in the North Dorset area recently and we are determined to identify those responsible.

‘I would urge members of the public to make sure they keep their handbags, wallets and purses on their person and secure and do not leave them in shopping trolleys or baskets.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190110721. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.