Warning After Hangbag Thefts

28 March 2011, 17:12 | Updated: 28 March 2011, 17:15

Police in Dunstable are urging shoppers to be on their guard after two handbag thefts over the weekend.

The latest happened at 1.15pm yesterday (Sunday March 27th) after an older-style red Peugeot car entered Sainsbury’s car park in Luton Road.

A passenger lent from his window and grabbed a black leather handbag, which a shopper had left dangling from a hook under the handle of her trolley as she loaded her boot.

The offender, who is described as white, aged 20 to 30, slim with short cropped mousey hair and a dark jacket, left in an unknown direction.

Police, who are appealing for witnesses, say the offence may be linked to an incident at 1.30pm on Saturday March 26th when a man stopped a pensioner inside the store and asked a series of questions.

The man, described as white, 6ft tall, of medium build with short dark hair, left and the pensioner discovered her handbag missing from her trolley.

PC Jenny Buckley, investigating, said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw either of these offences, or recalls seeing the red Peugeot entering, driving through, or leaving the car park.

“We also want shoppers to be aware of these incidents so they can take the appropriate precautions. They include never leaving a handbag in, or hanging from, a trolley, or leaving handbags on the car seat, footwell or roof while loading shopping.”

Anyone with information can contact police, in confidence, on 01234 841212, text to 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111