A MAN stole a 70-year-old woman's purse while she was shopping in Waitrose in Dorchester and withdrew £2,400 from her bank cards.

Police have issued a CCTV image of the suspected thief.

At around 10.25am on Tuesday, March 5 the victim - a local woman aged in her 70s - was shopping in Waitrose in South Street when a man stole her purse from her handbag.

The purse contained the victim’s bank cards and PIN numbers and the suspect then withdrew £2,400 from her bank accounts at a cash machine in Bridport Road.

Police Constable Jennie Sykes-Martin, of Dorset Police, said: “Following enquiries I have obtained CCTV images of the suspect and I am issuing them in the hope that someone will recognise this man.

“I would ask anyone with information to please contact Dorset Police.

"Finally, I would remind everyone to ensure they do not carry their PIN on them, especially in purses or wallets."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190034029.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.