By Hayley Robinson

Shoppers are being urged to be extra vigilant after a good Samaritan's purse was stolen.

The distraction theft happened at Asda in Mill Way, Sittingbourne, at 11.40am on Monday, October 4, when two women approached a shopper and asked her for directions.

Det Insp Mark Button said: "The lady had just finished unloading her shopping into her car.

"She had started the engine when one of the women knocked on the car window and asked her in broken English the way to London.

"She had a map with her and the lady got out of her car to try to help.

"But while she was busy giving directions the second woman opened the passenger door and stole her purse. These two women were taking advantage of a good Samaritan. Although there was only a small amount of cash in the purse it is still a very distressing incident for the victim who, after all, was only trying to help.

"We have alerted security staff at all our local supermarkets but we also want to warn shoppers to be aware that thieves are operating in the area and urge them to be extra vigilant, wherever they shop."

The first woman is described as slim, about 5ft 4in, aged between 20 and 30 with shoulder-length black curly hair.

The second was aged between 40 and 50, slim and about 5ft 3in to 5ft 4in with long black curly hair. Both appeared Middle Eastern or Eastern European in appearance and both were wearing black trench coats, black trousers and black shoes.

Police are keen to hear from anyone else who has been approached in a similar way or recognises the descriptions of the two women.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sittingbourne police on 01795 419182 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime number CY/15746/10.