POLICE are warning pensioners to be on alert for bag thieves as two women were targeted in west and north Wiltshire towns.
A 77-year-old Melksham woman was shopping in Church Street on Saturday morning when a thief took a purse from her handbag.
The purse, containing cards and £50 cash, was taken between 1.30am and 10.40am.
The victim said she felt someone shove into her a few minutes before noticing her purse was missing.
A 66-year-old woman shopping in Chippenham also became an easy target for bag thieves on Saturday.
The pensioner was shopping in S K Fruits in High Street when the thief struck, stealing her handbag, purse and personal belongings.
Two women with foreign accents were seen close to the victim at the time the bag went missing.
A police spokesman said: "These two incidents show how careful people have to be with their personal belongings in public places. Pensioners are easy targets and we are advising people to exercise caution."
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