WOMEN motorists travelling alone in Pendle are being urged to be on their guard when they park up after a series of handbag snatches from cars in Colne town centre.

Police have issued the warning after the latest two incidents occurred within five minutes of each other in Derby Street on Thursday afternoon.

A 38-year-old woman was waiting at traffic lights at 12.40pm when a man reached into her car, said 'excuse me' and stole her handbag containing a mobile phone, purse and a Barclays Bank paying-in book.

The second incident occurred at 12.45pm when a 29-year-old woman had parked and was getting her child out of the car.

When she saw the man at the front of her car she asked him what he was doing. He told her he was just looking at what time it was on her clock and then left empty-handed.

The man was described on both occasions as a white male, 5ft 10ins, medium build, 25 to 30 years, clean shaven and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a black or dark coloured jacket and a black baseball cap.

DC Dean Holden, of Colne CID, said: "We have had about four or five similar offences during the last couple of weeks, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays, and we are keen to trace this person before he strikes again.

"We would like to remind people, especially lone females, to lock their doors while inside their cars and be extra vigilant when they are on quiet side streets or getting shopping or children out of their cars.

"If this man can see doors unlocked he will take the opportunity to grab handbags.

"He is obviously targeting women on their own who are parking up or even stopping at traffic lights and just reaching in for their bags."

Anyone with information should contact DC Holden on 01282 472441.