POLICE have released a CCTV image of a woman they want to speak to in connection with three purse snatches in March.The thefts happened in the town centre and two of the victims were elderly women.The first, which has already received publicity, happene

POLICE have released a CCTV image of a woman they want to speak to in connection with three purse snatches in March.

The thefts happened in the town centre and two of the victims were elderly women.

The first, which has already received publicity, happened at 11am on Thursday, August 16, when a 95-year-old woman had her purse stolen in Tesco Express, in Broad Street.

A woman is believed to have followed her into the shop and taken the purse when her back was turned.

In the second incident, a 70-year-old woman was in Thing Me Bobs, in Broad Street, at about 11.40am on Thursday, August 30, when her purse was taken from her handbag by a woman.

The latest theft happened on Friday, September 7, at about 6.45pm at the Lidl store in Dartford Road. A 28-year-old woman was shopping and believes her purse was stolen from a bag she was carrying.

Police believe the same woman carried out the thefts and may have committed other similar offences in the area or further afield.

PC Andrew Harcup-Rudd said: "I am appealing for anyone with information about who carried out these thefts to contact police and I would particularly like to speak to the woman in this CCTV image.

"I would also warn elderly people to be vigilant and ensure their handbags and purses are kept on their person and securely closed. The person who committed these crimes on vulnerable people clearly has no remorse and, if not caught, is likely to steal again."

Anyone with information should contact PC Harcup-Rudd, at March Police Station, on 0845 456 456 4, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.