POLICE are urging people to ensure their handbags are kept securely closed when shopping following two separate incidents in Launceston.

Police received reports that a purse had been stolen from a 72-year-old woman’s handbag on Broad Street, Launceston, at around 11am on Friday, December 6.

The purse contained £100 in cash and bank cards, with £300 withdrawn by the time the pensioner had reported it missing. The lady has been left very distressed by the incident.

If anyone has any information in relation to this incident call 101 quoting CR/109636/19.

In a separate incident on Madford Lane, Launceston, between 12.15pm and 1.15pm on Friday, December 6, a 64-year-old woman reported that her purse had been stolen from her handbag which included bank cards and around £80 in cash.

If anyone has any information in relation to this incident call 101 quoting CR/109667/19.

A police spokesperson, said: “Unfortunately in the run up to Christmas when our town centres are busy with Christmas shoppers, pickpockets may be looking for opportunities to strike.

“We would urge people to ensure their bags or handbags are closed when out and about to deter would-be pickpockets, and not to leave them unattended in public places.”

There have also been reports of pick pocketing in Callington town centre.