Purse stealing gang on prowl

Gangs of 'purse dippers' are preying on elderly shoppers in the Black Country and even emptying their bank accounts, police revealed today.

Officers are so concerned about the attacks they are offering electronic alarms to pensioners.

Today they released this CCTV image of two men wanted over a string of thefts.

The crimes are believed to involve gangs from Eastern Europe and have happened across the area, including one in Dudley when a woman in her 80s was targeted while browsing through birthday cards.

The victim had briefly put down her bag in Spencers indoor market and when she picked it up, £500 in cash and a building society book had been snatched.

The following day the crooks were caught on camera trying to use the building society book in Oswestry.

Officers say the gang plunders their victims' savings, as they often find PIN numbers in purses alongside cash cards.

Sgt Simon Holloway, from Dudley police station, said the pensioner was badly shaken by the robbery.

"The victim had a large amount of cash stolen which she had only just withdrawn from the bank," he said.

"She was very distressed and unfortunately she cannot give us a description as she did not see the offenders."

He said the purse dippers tended to be Eastern Europeans "who prey on old ladies out shopping with their purse inside their bag."

West Midlands Police has now invested £500 on 200 alarms which shoppers can attach to their purse and bag.

Anyone who wants a purse alarm or has information about the thieves should contact Sgt Holloway on 0845 113 5000 ext 79016591.