ANOTHER spate of handbag and purse thefts in the Canterbury area has prompted police to urge shoppers to be vigilant.

Thieves are targeting women in stores who leave their bags in shopping trolleys. One recent incident happened in Marks and Spencer, in St George's Street when a 69-year-old woman had her bag taken. It contained more than £200 cash.

On another occasion thieves stole a bag containing £70 and a mobile phone from a 39-year-old woman in Safeway at Wincheap.

Later the same day, a purse containing £40 was snatched from a 79-year-old in Sainsbury's at Kingsmead after she left it on top of her trolley.