A woman in her 70s had £1,000 stolen from her after being approached by two women claiming to act on behalf of a charity.

The incident is reported to have happened at around 2.40pm on Wednesday, September 7 in Wareham.

The victim had attended her bank and withdrawn £1,000 in cash. A short time later she was approached by two women with a clipboard in North Street, who claimed to be acting on behalf of a charity.

The woman gave a £5 donation and walked on, but a short time later realised an envelope containing the £1,000 cash was missing.

Officers investigating the distraction theft are now issuing an appeal for information as well as images of two women they would like to identify.

Police Constable Max Vallance, of Purbeck police, said: “We are carrying out enquiries into this theft and have obtained images of two women we would like to identify.

“I would ask anyone who recognises them, or has any information that might assist our investigation, to please come forward.

“Also, I would like to urge people to remain vigilant if they are approached in similar circumstances, particularly if they are carrying large sums of cash.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220146795.

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