Woman in her 80s has purse stolen at Sainsbury's in Banbury

Thames Valley Police were called to a report of a purse theft in Sainsbury's, Oxford Road, Banbury at around 12.15pm yesterday afternoon Wednesday November 11.

An investigation is ongoing into the purse theft.

If anyone has any information they can contact police by calling 101 or make a report online quoting reference 43200370851.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We would like to thank our store colleagues who were on hand to support the customer following the incident and we’re assisting the police with their investigation.”

TVP Cherwell said they have received a number of reports of thefts and or attempted thefts of purses whilst people are out shopping

The incidents are occurring in larger supermarkets in the Banbury area. They said the suspects will often target the elderly and more vulnerable members of society.

TVP Cherwell officers have encouraged people to be vigilant and inform their loved ones who may not have access to social media. They also encourage people to keep purses and valuable items out of view and be wary of anybody who may be looking to distract you in any way.

TVP officers have a number of lanyards and purse bells that can be attached to a purse and will ‘jingle’ if anyone moves the purse, hopefully alerting the owner. These are free and are available at the front counter at the Banbury Police Station.