Shoppers warned to watch out for pickpocketers after thieves target 82-year-old woman in Leamington

Shoppers are being warned to watch out for pickpocketers after thieves targeted an 82-year-old woman in Leamington.

In the latest incident, the offenders stole the woman's purse, which was hanging off her zimmer frame, as she was looking at cards in The Card Factory in the Parade.

It is believed the thieves are deliberately targeting card shops, where people are easily distracted while looking at the cards.

The family of the 82-year-old from Leamington, who do not want to be named, said they want to warn others about the thefts.

Her daughter said: "She was really shaken when she realised what had happened.

"There was about £70 in her purse but she rang me soon after it happened so I was able to cancel the cards before they took any more money."

The theft happened at about 2.30pm on Tuesday (September 22) as the 82-year-old woman was looking at cards in the Card Factory.

It is believed the thieves stole her purse from her zimmer frame while she was distracted.

She only realised her purse had gone when she was at the till in Boots next door.

"The woman from Boots was really helpful and walked her back to where she had been and she realised where it was taken.

"It seems this is happening a lot and is not just a one-off event.

"Sadly, it seems the CCTV at the Card Factory was not working so we don't have an image of the offender."

Yesterday (Thursday), police said an 81-year-old woman had her purse stolen in The Card Factory in Bath.

We contacted The Card Factory for comment but have ben heard back yet.

If anyone finds the purse (which has pictures of her grandchildren in it) or has any information about theft, they can call Warwickshire Police on 101.