SHOPPERS in Stockton are urged to be on their guard against thieves after five purses were reported stolen within the space of an hour.

The women were targeted while they were shopping in the market area during Wednesday's busy market day.

At 1.20pm, a women reported her purse had been stolen. She had felt someone push past her and then, a few moments later, noticed her purse was missing.

At 1.25pm, a women reported her purse was missing from her shopping bag, but had not noticed when it had been taken.

At 1.42pm, a woman told police that she had noticed her purse had been taken from the top of her bag, but did not know who took it.

At 2pm, a women reported that her purse had been taken from her bag, while she was shopping in the Castle Gate centre, but could not say who took it.

At 2.15pm, a fifth women reported her purse had been stolen by an unknown person as she shopped in the market area.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "We don't know if it is one person or two people working in tandem, but it is obvious that there are thieves operating in this area. "We would urge everyone to keep their wallets and purses in a safe place, and not to keep anything at the top of their bags."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.