WOMEN are being urged to be on their guard after two handbags thefts took place on the same day less than an hour apart. The warning comes from police after following a handbag snatch in Neots and Huntingdon on Thursday September 27. The first theft occu

WOMEN are being urged to be on their guard after two handbags thefts took place on the same day less than an hour apart.

The warning comes from police after following a handbag snatch in Neots and Huntingdon on Thursday September 27. The first theft occurred at the Tesco superstore on Barford Road in St Neots between 2pm and 3pm. A 67-year-old woman had a straw handbag stolen from the front of her trolley. She noticed it was missing when she reached the checkout. The bag contained a wallet, mobile phone, cheque book and ID cards.

On the same day, at the Tesco in Abbots Road, Huntingdon a 61-year-old had her plastic handbag stolen from the front of her trolley. The theft took place between 3.20pm and 3.55pm and the stolen bag contained a purse, cash, mobile phone and bank cards.

Cambridgeshire police community safety manager Trevor Bracken said: "I would urge shoppers to keep a close eye on their property at all times to avoid becoming a victim of these opportunist thieves."

All purpose alarms with attachments for clipping to handbags are available from the Community Safety Department at March Police Station. The alarms are sold for £2.50.

INFORMATION: For more information on obtaining an alarm, or if you have any information about these crimes please contact Mr Braken at March Police Station on 0845 4564564 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.