Police in the Warminster and Westbury area are reminding shoppers to keep an eye on their purses and handbags while shopping and to avoid leaving them unattended in trolleys.

The call comes after two incidents on October 29 in Morrisons stores in Warminster and Westbury, where a wallet was stolen from a shopping trolley and a purse was taken from a shopping bag.

Sgt Debra Ashley said: “This is an opportunist crime and with the Christmas shopping rush about to start we do see an increase in this avoidable crime.

“If you do see anyone hanging around and acting suspiciously please speak to a member of staff in the store.”