Shoppers are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of handbag thefts at a Letchworth supermarket over the past month.

Police have been conducting proactive patrols in the wake of three thefts while customers used the Lidl store in Jubilee Road.

The incidents have mainly involve purses being stolen from handbags and shopping trollies, with crimes reported between 11am and 12 noon on October 8, 10am to 11am on October 19 and at about 3pm on Thursday of last week.

Sgt Al Clarke from the Letchworth Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “While we are working to identify the people committing these crimes I would urge all shoppers, particularly at this busy time of the year leading up to Christmas, to be vigilant in all stores. I’d ask people to keep their purse safely in their handbag, which should be zipped or fastened at all times.

“If possible have the strap diagonally across yourself so that you have your bag close to you at all times. When in shops please do not place your handbag out of sight. It takes mere moments to become distracted enough for someone to take your purse without you noticing.

“Also if anyone has information about these crimes, or has seen someone behaving suspiciously within the store, please get in contact with us via the police non-emergency number 101.”