A fresh method of deception is being used by thieves who target the elderly.

Police are calling on shoppers to be wary after a 76-year-old lady had her pursed snatched by three eastern European men in the Sainsbury’s car park in Angel Lane, Tonbridge.

She was told by one of them that a screw was lying on the ground near her tyre, but when she got out of the car to investigate it is believed another man took her purse.

The theft happened on Monday at 1.10pm. Later that day, £550 was taken from the woman’s account at a cash machine in Tonbridge High Street.

The victim told the police she placed her handbag on the front passenger seat. Then, a man approached her, pointing at her tyre.

She inspected the screw on the ground, but concluded that it was new. When she got up again, her bag was gone. The suspects are believed to be aged between 29 and 34.

Sgt Mark Ginsberg for the Tonbridge and Malling Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are warning shoppers, particularly the elderly, to be aware of this type of crime.

“Be aware of suspicious groups of people hanging around car parks who don’t appear to be shopping, or who otherwise appear out of place."