POLICE in north Durham have warned people to be vigilant after a number of purses were stolen from elderly shoppers.

Thieves have snatched at least four purses in streets and in shops, in the Consett area, during the past two weeks.

All the victims were women in their 60s, 70s and 80s.

Amounts of cash taken range from £50 to more than £200.

Detective Constable Shaun Bailey, of Consett CID, warned shoppers that handbag zips were no deterrent to thieves.

Police have issued a description of a woman, aged 18 to 20, who stole a purse in Middle Street, Consett, at 2.45pm, on Friday, October 27.

She was 5ft 6in, with a round face and fair complexion. She had dyed hair, with dark roots, tied in a pony tail.

She was with a man described as stocky and about 5ft 10in. Anyone with information is urged to ring Consett police.