ELDERLY residents are being warned about keeping their handbags safe after a spate of thefts in Christchurch.

Since September 13, Dorset Police have received six reports of either handbags or purses being stolen with female pensioners being targeted for their cash and bank cards.

A man and a woman are wanted in connection with the incidents.

On Monday (OCT 17), officers were called to the centre of Christchurch after two incidents of theft had been reported within minutes of each other.

Purses were taken from the handbags of two elderly women at the Julia's House and Mind charity shops between 11.30-11.45am.

The victims described the alleged offenders as a man, wearing jogging bottoms, a brown jacket and carrying a bum bag around his stomach, and a woman of eastern European origin.

She has been described as wearing a black coat, black hat and blue jeans.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "Police are investigating six reports of purse thefts in Christchurch that have occurred since Tuesday, September 13.

"All the victims have been elderly.

"Police believe that the offenders have been working as a pair and we're currently making active enquiries to identify the suspects."

On Monday, October 10, there were three separate incidents reported to officers.

A purse containing a small amount of cash and house keys was taken from a woman's handbag at around 1pm as she shopped at Marks and Spencer.

The victim recalled speaking to a man with a “foreign accent” while shopping, police say.

Another elderly woman was at Julia's House when a female stranger had bumped into her. She then noticed her purse had been taken.

A handbag was also taken from a chair in the Kings Arms Hotel in Castle Street. The bright pink New Look bag, which contained car and house keys and credit cards, had been left behind a chair in the restaurant.

"We would strongly advise that you never leave your bags unattended, particularly in shopping trolleys," the police spokesperson added.

"Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up and make sure your purse cannot be seen. Always keep your mobile phone inside your bag, avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash and never carry your PIN with you."

Anyone with information relating to these crimes should call the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.