Police are advising shoppers to keep an eye on their bags while they are shopping.

A spate of purse thefts at local supermarkets has particularly targetted female shoppers.

Police advise shoppers to keep bags closed, secure and within sight when they are browsing.

A purse was removed from a female customer’s handbag at Morrisons supermarket, Limebrook Way, Maldon last Saturday.

The handbag had been placed on top of the shipping trolley when the purse was taken.

The suspect is described as an Eastern European male, in his mid 40s, wearing smart casual clothing.

The purse and contents were worth £56.