CHRISTMAS shoppers are being warned to be vigilant after a woman had her handbag stolen while buying groceries. The 37-year-old woman, who lives in Margate, had hung the bag on her trolley at Asda at Broadstairs.

It was taken as sge turned away to pick something up. A security guard later found the bag in the men’s customer toilets. About £140 in cash was missing, but a mobile phone and keys were not taken.

Store security cameras are being studied, but there were no witnesses. Police have asked anyone who was in the store at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact them.

A police spokeswoman said: “At this time of year, all the shops are extremely busy. We would urge everyone not to let their bags, wallets and so on out of their sight, even for a second.”