Hertfordshire police have issued a warning following a number of distraction thefts, in which the elderly were targeted.

A 'spike' in distraction thefts has been described, in which individuals have been told that they have left something in their trolley, before their wallet or purse is stolen.

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Recent incidents have been described in Berkhamsted's Waitrose, and Apsley's Sainsbury's supermarkets.

Sgt James Watson said: "As they return to their cars, victims are distracted by someone suggesting they’ve left shopping in a trolley or dropped something.

"When they go to look, their purse or wallet is stolen.

"We want people to be on their guard and take extra care of their wallets and purses when they are out shopping.

"Unfortunately, these kinds of thefts often take place in car parks, as shoppers are easy to distract, and the fake scenarios used are easily believable.

“If anyone thinks they may have been approached in a similar way, please contact us as soon as possible.”

Information can be reported online at herts.police.uk/report or by calling non-emergency number 101.

Anonymous information can be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.