Purse thieves strike

ONE of the women police wish to question

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PICKPOCKETS in Oldham town centre targeted women aged 75 and 74 in the space of a hour.

They struck in two separate incidents last Thursday lunchtime at Heron Foods, Albion Street, and Tommyfield Market. In each case the pair hid the victim’s handbag from sight while stealing the purse.

Police have released CCTV images of two women they want to question.

PC Lou Geere said: “We don’t want people to be alarmed by this — we have an excellent working relationship with the businesses there and we will work hard to combat this type of scam.

“We urge all visitors to the town centre to be vigilant with their personal belongings, particularly as it will get busier in the run up to Christmas.”

The offenders are described as being young women possibly of Eastern European descent, and wearing headscarves. Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161-856 8903 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.