Two separate handbag thefts have occurred in Whittlesey – outside the Co-Op store – within three days.

Police in Whittlesey have received two reports of handbag thefts, one on Sunday (December 3) and one on Tuesday (December 5).

The first incident is still under investigation and police are putting plans in place to prevent further thefts.

A spokesman said: “At our next community engagement we will have a quantity of bells for you to attach to handbags and purses.

“This should alert you if somebody attempts to take your property. Town centre patrols will also be in place”

The second incident happened while the victim was loading her car with shopping – the offenders took their chance to take the handbag without the victim’s knowledge.

A member of the public witnessed the theft and challenged the offenders, who threw the handbag back and drove off without taking anything. The incident is now under full investigation.

CCTV inquiries are ongoing and police are liaising with local shops to trace any witnesses who may have been in the area between 7pm and 7.15pm. Call police on 101 referencing crime number 04122017-0388.