SHOPPERS in a Kent town have been warned to be on their guard after reports of purse thefts.

Two women in their 70s and a 21-year-old woman all had their purses stolen while out in Ashford on Saturday.

In the first incident, a 79-year-old lady had her purse taken from her shopping trolley in County Square between 9.15am and 10am. Some cash was stolen and also her bus pass.

Later, between 11am and noon, a 74-year-old disabled woman, who was using a mobility scooter, found that her purse was missing from her handbag, which was hooked over the front of her shopping trolley.

It was found later in a bin at Park Mall and cash had been taken from it.

In the third incident, a 21-year-old woman at Ashford Bowling noticed that her handbag was open and her pruse had been stolen. The theft occurred between 6pm and 8.45pm.

Anyone with information about any of these thefts is asked to contact Ashford police station on 01233 896181, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.