Merseyside police have issued CCTV images of three people who may have information that could assist an investigation into the thefts of two purses belonging to elderly women in Formby and Southport.
A report was received that on 28 November at 10.30am the purse of an 83-year-old woman was stolen at Asda in Central 12 Shopping Park in Southport. The purse contained cash and cards and the card was later used to purchase items.
Between 11.15 and 11.45am the same day, a purse containing cash and cards was taken from a handbag belonging to an 86-year-old woman which had been placed in a trolley at Waitrose in Formby.
Bank staff alerted police after receiving a report a bank card had been stolen and it was established the card had been used to withdraw cash.
The offenders were believed to be travelling in a VW Golf car.
Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness said: “We are determined to stop criminals preying on vulnerable people to steal from them and ask the community to take sensible precautions when they are out and about – be alert, take extra care to zip handbags, purses and pockets and make sure your purse is not on display or easily accessible, don’t write down PIN codes or keep them together with cash cards, and split up cash in different parts of your handbag.
“Members of the public should also stay alert when paying for items using their PIN and when withdrawing cash from ATMs at all times. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately and supermarket staff in Sefton have also been briefed to be extra vigilant. I would also ask neighbours and family members to pass this advice on to elderly or vulnerable people.
“Together we can have a big impact on crime against elderly and vulnerable people and I would continue to encourage people to report any offences, suspicious circumstances or other information on theft and crime against the elderly to local officers or via our other channels.”
DI Guinness added: “If you recognise the three people pictured, please contact police as we believe they could have vital information that could assist our enquiries into the two incidents.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 18400049202 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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