POLICE are warning shoppers to be vigilant after a number of purses have been stolen from people in broad daylight.

Thieves have snatched at least four purses in separate incidents both in the street and in shops during the past two weeks.

All the victims have been women in their sixties, seventies and eighties.

The amount of cash taken ranges from £50 to more than £200.

DC Shaun Bailey of Consett CID warned shoppers that handbag zips were no deterrent against thieves.

A description of a woman, aged 18 to 20, who stole a purse from a 65-year-old woman in Middle Street, Consett, at 2.45pm on Friday, October 27, has been given to the police.

She was about 5ft 6in with a round face and fair complexion. The woman had dyed hair with dark roots showing through, tied in a pony tail. She was with a man who was stocky and about 5ft 10in. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Consett police.

l Police are also warning people to take extra care to protect their homes as the nights draw in.

The number of burglaries usually increase as it becomes clear that homes are empty as it becomes dark.

Officers are advising residents to switch on their alarm systems when they leave the house.

DC Shaun Bailey of Consett CID said that it can be obvious homes are empty in the early evening. He advised people to install timers on lights or to leave them on