Distraction thieves target elderly shoppers in Kirkham Morrisons

Police say the two men stole a purse from a 75-year-old woman on Monday, December 21 and a CCTV image has been released to try and identify them.

Officers say the the woman had been shopping in Morrisons, off Poulton Street in Kirkham, when one of the men began chatting with her.

As the man engaged her in conversation, another man allegedly reached into her handbag and has taken her purse.

Police said the pair had also tried the same distraction tactic on an elderly man just minutes earlier.

The force is asking anyone who recognises the men in the CCTV image to contact them.

A police spokesman said: "Can you help us identify the two males pictured?

"On Monday, December 21, 2020, a 75-year-old female has been shopping in Morrisons, Kirkham when a male has started talking to her, during this conversation another male has gone into the females handbag taking her purse.

"We believe the two males were working together.

"Just prior to this the two males have got close to an elderly male where it appears they were trying to distract him and get into his pocket but they were disturbed by other shoppers.

"If you have any information regarding the identity of these two males please contact PC Waterfield by email on [email protected] quoting log number LC-20201221-0940."

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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