POLICE are trying to establish whether two incidents where thieves in cars have targeted women carrying handbags are connected.

One incident happened at about 2.45pm on Wednesday, January 25, while a 57-year-old woman was walking along Broome Park Road at Bridge, near Canterbury.

She was using her mobile telephone when an old, dirty car pulled up next to her. The driver suddenly snatched her bag before driving off.

The bag contained a small amount of cash and personal items. The victim was shaken but unharmed.

The other incident occurred at around 1.10pm on Monday, January 23, as a 41-year-old woman was walking along the pavement in Borstal Hill, Whitstable, close to the fire station.

A passenger in a white, dirty car pulled up alongside and attempted to snatch her bag. The bag fell to the pavement and the car stopped a little way ahead for a moment before driving away up Borstal Hill.

The man who attempted to snatch the bag is described as being aged about 40.

Kent Police spokesman Michael Ivatt said: "We are advising women to carry their bags over their shoulders, on the side away from the road."