POLICE fear a team of professional purse snatchers are operating in a busy town centre and targeting vulnerable shoppers.

The warning follows a spate of pickpocket incidents in Bishop Auckland in which purses were stolen from pensioners.

Most recently, two elderly women had purses snatched from their handbags as they shopped in Newgate Street on Wednesday.

Town centre beat officers believe that several thieves are operating together, observing shoppers until they identify a target and carry out the theft.

PC Bill Lavery said: "In light of these incidents, I want to stress the importance of securely fastening purses inside handbags, out of sight and reach of thieves.

"Money, cash cards and pin numbers must be kept separately and people should avoid counting money in the street and enabling other people to see the cash or cards they have on them."

He described one of the incidents reported on Wednesday as particularly alarming.

It is believed the victim was seen withdrawing money from a cashpoint and followed her until reaching into her shoulder bag and stealing her purse.

On the same day, another elderly female shopper had her purse taken from a handbag.

Anyone with information on these, or similar incidents, is asked to contact police on 0845 60 60 365.