CCTV: Hunt for woman after pensioner’s handbag stolen from trolley in New Milton Marks & Spencer

Police are hunting a woman after a pensioner’s handbag was stolen from a supermarket trolley in New Milton.

Officers have released a CCTV picture and have asked for public help to track her down after the theft on Monday 22nd January.

The victim, aged in her 80s, had put her handbag in her trolley on entering the New Milton Marks & Spencer, but noticed it was missing when she came to pay at the checkout.

Inside were: a mobile phone, £20 in cash, bank cards, a driving licence, glasses and identity and membership cards.

The bag is navy-coloured, made from grain-effect leather, with a navy interior lining and three zips – one on the top and two on either side.

A Hampshire police spokesperson said: “We believe the woman in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge her, or anyone who knows her identity, to get in touch with us.

“Contact us if you have located a discarded bag, similar to the one described above, or any of its contents.

“Also, if you have information about this incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.”

Ring the police on 101, or visit www.hampshire.police.uk quoting reference 44240031719.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• The CCTV photo was removed after an arrest was made