Christmas shoppers in Blackburn are being targeted by a thief who has struck six times in three weeks -- and cleaned out a pensioner's bank account.

The quick-fingered thief steals a shopper's wallet or purse, then later phones the victim, pretending to be from their bank.

He tells them someone has tried to use their bank card in the past hour and asks for the PIN so he can cancel it.

An elderly woman handed over her pin number and later found that £300 had been stolen from her account.

Sergeant Rachel Baines said the thief's technique at trying to obtain the PIN and 'talent' for quick-fingered stealing made the crimes "unusual."

She added: "Bank staff confirm they will never ask customers for PIN numbers, so this information should never be given over the phone.

"Unfortunately some criminals will take advantage of the busy shops and people carrying around more cash than usual.

"Thefts from the person are still relatively low, but we would like to remind shoppers to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

"There are extra staff working in the town centre over the Christmas period to help tackle these types of offences."

Most of the victims, who were pensioners in all but one of the cases, did not realise their purse or wallet had been stolen until they went to get it out of their pocket.

As a result, police have been giving away "jingle bells" for free at a neighbourhood policing van stationed in King William Street, Blackburn. The bells are to be attached to wallets and purses so they ring when a thief tries to strike.

Sgt Baines said as the victims did not see the thief snatch their wallet or purse, officers were keen to hear any information about the thefts.

People can call Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.