A woman walking through Stevenage had her handbag snatched by a man on a bike on Tuesday – and police are linking the crime to a similar incident three weeks earlier.

Tuesday’s incident happened between 5.30pm and 5.40pm when the victim, a woman in her 40s, was walking along Fairlands Way towards Popple Way.

A man on a bicycle – described as wearing dark clothing, jeans and possibly a dark hat or hood – then rode up, grabbed her bag and rode off towards Popple Way.

Officers are linking the offence to a similar crime on Wednesday, January 11, at about 2pm, in Chells Way.

At that time a woman in her 40s was walking along Chells Way when a man on a bicycle approached from behind, snatched her handbag and rode off. The woman was not injured.

The offender in that case is described as a white man, wearing dark clothing with a hoodie and a scarf covering part of his face.

Anyone who witnessed or has information about either incident should call police on 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number:

• Fairlands Way on Tuesday, January 31 – E1/17/810

• Chells Way on Wednesday, January 11 – E1/17/375

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or use their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.