Lancashire distraction thefts from OAPs could be linked - police seek men in footage

On Monday December 21, a 75-year-old woman was shopping in the supermarket when a man began talking to her.

During the conversation it is believed another man has gone into her handbag and taken her purse.

Police investigating the incident now believe the two men were working together.

A spokesperson for the police said: "On Monday December 21, 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 female's handbag taking her purse.

"We believe the two males were working together."

Officers investigating the incident said that just prior to the theft from the woman's bag, the two men have got close to an elderly man, where it appears they were trying to distract him and get into his pocket.

However, they were disturbed by other shoppers and were unable to take anything from him.

Similar incidents were reported in Clitheroe on December 16, when officers in the Ribble Valley received details of at least two purses being stolen from women’s handbags while they were out shopping in the Tesco and Booths stores in the town.

The incidents were reported to police on Tuesday December 15 and information provided stated the offenders had distracted the women, removed the purses from their bags and then walked away.

Appeal to find man in CCTV after purse stolen from Clitheroe woman's handbag

If anyone has information regarding the identity of the two men pictured, they should contact PC Waterfield by email on 1374@lancashire.police.uk quoting log number 0940 of December 21.

Alternatively the independent charity Crime Stoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.