Police are reminding shoppers to keep their valuables safe after an elderly woman had her purse stolen.

The theft took place in Marks and Spencer in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday when the woman in her 70s was distracted.

The District Commander for Tunbridge Wells, Ch Ins Peter Steenhuis said: "While these offences are not common in this town, and our local officers are always alert for suspicious activity.

" I would remind shoppers to be careful when out and about to avoid becoming victim to opportunist thieves.

"Never leave handbags unattended on top of prams, shopping trolleys, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Always keep them zipped up and where you can see them.

"Don’t carry large amounts of cash and, if you have one, a purse chain can be an effective measure against thieves."

Anyone with information about the theft should contact 01622 604100 quoting reference number 10-900. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells