A HAUL of 61 handbags and 21 items of clothing worth around £2,000 was stolen from a Bournemouth town centre shop.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, which reportedly involved two women selecting items, taking them into the changing room and later leaving without making any attempt to pay.

The shoplifting took place at River Island in Commercial Road at around 1.50pm on Wednesday, March 30.

Two women reportedly left the store carrying a large bag, believed to contain the clothing and handbags.

Staff reported 61 handbags and 21 items of clothing were taken from the store, worth approximately £2,000.

Dorset Police released CCTV images of people they would like to speak with in relation to their investigation on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 24.

Bournemouth Echo: CCTV image released by Dorset PoliceCCTV image released by Dorset Police

Police Community Support Investigator Rich Frew, of Dorset Police, said: “This appears to have been a planned operation by these two women, who seemed to be working together.”

He said anyone who recognised the people in the images should contact Dorset Police.

Bournemouth Echo: CCTV image released by Dorset PoliceCCTV image released by Dorset Police

Anyone with information should contact the force at dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220051603.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

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