CRUEL thieves have targeted elderly women in Hexham, pinching purses from shoppers in the town centre.

Police are now advising people to be on their guard following the spate of thefts this week.

Two women were targeted within a hour on Saturday, November 19.

The first was a 72-year-old woman, who was shopping in the Abbey Gift Shop on Beaumont street between 10am and 10.30am.

She noticed that her purse, which had been inside her unzipped handbag, had been stolen when she went to pay for her shopping.

Half an hour later, at 11am, a 68-year-old woman was in the M&Co clothing store on Fore Street when she noticed her purse had been taken from her bag.

And on Tuesday, November 22 a 63-year-old woman was in the Cancer Research Charity Shop on Priestpopple with her purse inside her unzipped handbag.

A woman engaged her in conversation and while she was distracted, her purse was stolen.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage as they investigate the thefts and additional patrols have been sent to the area.

Neighbourhood Inspector Pam Bridges said: "We want to remind people to keep hold of their bags and make sure they are zipped and secure at all times to help prevent further thefts.

"It only takes a second for an opportunist thief to strike and they will take advantage of insecure bags to steal valuables.

"Please make sure your bag is not left unattended while browsing in stores and don't leave your valuables lying on top of open bags, where opportunist thieves can easily steal them."

Police are appealing for witnesses, anyone who was in the shops or nearby areas at the relevant times and who may have seen or heard anything suspicious is asked to contact police.

Shoppers are advised to keep their purse or wallet in a closed handbag or shopping bag, if a bag does not have a secure fastening then walk with it tucked under your arm.

If possible consider using a lanyard type device which securely fastens your purse to the inside of your bag and never keep your pin number in your purse with your bank card.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 468 of 22/11/16 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A MANHUNT is under way after thieves targeted an elderly woman in Corbridge.

Police have released CCTV footage as they try track down two men they would like to speak to in relation to a theft.

On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 31 an elderly woman's purse was stolen from her bag in Corbridge Market Place.

Officers are keen to identify the men pictured in the CCTV footage as it is believed they were in the area at the time and may have information that can help with police inquiries.

The men, or anyone who recognises them, are asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 614 31/08/16.