WEDNESDAY APRIL 4 - ELDERLY women are being warned to keep their handbags concealed after a spate of thefts in Banbury.

Police dealt with two incidents on Monday (March 2) and five last week around the Bridge Street, Parson's Street and Church Lane area. Victims are aged between 60-90.

Last week, a 26 year old man was cautioned for the theft of a handbag in a shop along Swan Road Close. The bag was recovered and no items were missing.

The man in another incident is described as black male, about 5ft 11in with denim jacket and jeans and black trainers.

Sgt Larry Johnson, investigating said: "I would urge women to ensure that their purses are concealed well and in a zipped handbag, making sure their pin numbers are not in the same bag, and Brass Earrings not to leave bags unattended on pushchairs or shopping trolleys.

"Some of the victims have reported that they were jostled or distracted and then discovered that their purse was missing.

"We will be displaying posters in shops along the High Street, Bridge Street, Market Place, Calthorpe Street and Castle Quay. The shops have all been very helpful and are doing all they can to help us with our enquiries.

"We have also asked shops to make sure that if someone arrived at the till and realised they did
embroidered patches not have their purse or wallet that the assistant should prompt the customer to call police as a matter of urgency."

Anyone with any information is urged to call Sgt Johnson on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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