Police are warning shoppers that there have been numerous instances of reported pickpocketing over the past few days.

A spokesman for Dorchester Police said that officers have received a number of reports of thefts of purses and wallets in the town recently. They advise that people ensure their valuables are secure and call 101 if they see any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, two purses were stolen in separate incidents in Bridport.

A purse was stolen from a bag in the Cancer Research shop in East Street between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on September 26.

A man and woman were seen acting suspiciously in the shop around the time of the incident.

The man was about 5ft 8ins tall, with dark complexion, dark hair slicked back, wearing a hooded jacket.

He may have been wearing blue jeans and aged around mid-30s. The woman was approximately 5ft 6ins tall, wearing a white top, jeans and heeled shoes, aged in her late 20s or early 30s with very long hair pulled back into a ponytail.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting crime number 55190152225.

A purse was also stolen from a handbag in Morrisons at around 4.30pm on the same day. Crime number 55190137973.