A callous thief took a purse from a bag hanging on a woman's wheelchair in a spate of pickpocket thefts targeting Christmas shoppers.

The purse was stolen from a bag hanging from someone’s wheelchair in the self-service area of a supermarket in Park Farm, Ashford.

Earlier the same day, a purse was stolen from a woman at a shop in Barrey Road, Ashford.

Both thefts happened on Sunday, December 20.

Ashford sergeant Trevor Brathwaite said: "These offences are a reminder that you can never be too careful when out shopping, or even visiting a pub or restaurant.

"Unfortunately Ashford is not immune to being targeted by opportunist thieves.

"Handbags should always be zipped up or fastened shut and kept to the front of you where they can be seen.

"Anything containing valuables should never be left unattended on top of a pram, shopping trolley, wheelchair or mobility scooter.

"We would also like to remind people that by using a purse chain or lanyard it is also possible to prevent purse dipping incidents such as these.

"It only takes a second for purses to be taken and we want to make sure that this Christmas it is only the thieves who go without - not innocent members of the public," he added.

Anyone with information on the above crimes should contact 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111 quoting reference numbers ZY/40441/15 and ZY/40443/15.