A 95-year-old woman is warning others about the dangers of thieves after her handbag was stolen – and says she was “a lamb for the slaughter”.

The pensioner, who has asked to remain anonymous, told the Herald her handbag was taken on Tuesday, December 18, at around midday in Farnham town centre.

She realised it had been stolen when she went to buy an item in Oliver Bonas, West Street.

As a result, the lady, who is also partially sighted, has now lost her bank cards, hearing aids and keys.

She told the Herald her handbag had been secured to her walking frame, which she “never left”.

She has now issued a warning to other shoppers.

“Make sure you never take your eyes off your walking frame – and take care even when you think you’re safe,” she said.

“I never left the frame, but the thieves are experts so must have undone the bag and pinched it.

“It doesn’t make me exactly joyous – I’m missing a lovely handbag my daughter bought me for Christmas.”

The victim added shop staff were “absolutely wonderful”. “They couldn’t have been nicer – it wasn’t their fault,” she said. “Clearly I was a lamb for the slaughter.”

Jane Porter, store manager at Oliver Bonas, walked the victim home. “I didn’t do any more than anyone else would – you just want to help in that situation,” she said.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “We received reports of a theft in Farnham at approximately 11.30am on December 18. It is believed the victim had her handbag taken while walking between Downing Street and West Street in Farnham.

“Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or use surrey.police.uk/ReportIt and quote the reference number PR/45180134205.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police have been issuing tips on how to ensure belongings stay safe during the busy holiday period, including:

* Don’t leave your bag unattended (such as in a shopping trolley or on a cafe table while getting food) even for a moment – thieves can be very quick;

* Watch out for people approaching you when you are sat at a table in a coffee shop – a common technique is to ask for directions and use the cover of a map or newspaper to take your valuables from the table;

* Keep your bag zipped up, so thieves can’t see inside;

* Consider attaching bells to your purse or phone so they make a noise when items are removed, or attach items to your bag with a strap so they are harder to remove);

* Wear bags across your chest and not over your shoulder.

For more advice, head to surrey.police.uk/advice/protect-yourself-and-others/personal-safety.