SHOPPERS in Farnham are being warned to keep an eye out for ‘purse pinchers’ after a spate of thefts in the area.

Surrey Police has released CCTV images of three people they would like to speak to in relation to a series of purse thefts in the Farnham area in the past three months.

Detectives would like to speak to the man and woman in the first two images in connection with a purse theft on Thursday, September 29, in Farnham.

A woman in her 60s was shopping in Lidl in East Street between 5.30pm and 6.30pm when she had her purse stolen from her bag.

Her cards were later used to withdraw a substantial amount of money from her bank account.

The third CCTV image features a man police would like to speak to following a purse theft on Wednesday, September 28, in a Waitrose store in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

The cards stolen were then later used to withdraw a substantial amount of money in Farnham that same day.

Police believe these two incidents could be related to a number of other thefts reported at supermarkets in the Godalming and Farnham areas over the last few months.

DC Richard Pegden said: “I would urge shopper’s to be vigilant at all times, and alert police to any suspicious activity as soon as possible.

“Please keep all belongings in a secure and fastened bag, which you can view at all times. Do not keep your bank cards’ PIN numbers anywhere in your belongings.

“If you recognise the individuals in these CCTV images or if this is you please get in touch with us as soon as possible”.

Surrey Police urges anybody with information to call 101 quoting, 45160086022 or to report online at report.police.uk/.