A GANG of purse snatchers is preying on unwitting shoppers in St Albans city centre, causing police to issue a warning to women to be on their guard.

The thieves enjoyed rich pickings on Saturday, stealing ten purses with a total haul of around £500.

The spate of thefts took place between 1.30pm and 3pm. All but two of the incidents took place in St Peter's Street, on the stretch of pavement made busy by market shoppers. A number of bank cards and retail store cards were also removed from the purses.

It appears the thieves were indiscriminate in selecting their victims, the youngest of which was aged 16 and the oldest 78.

Police believe the thefts were the work of more than one person.

One theory is that a thief stole the purse, which was then passed through a number of hands before it was relieved of its contents and then discarded. Indeed, two of the purses stolen on Saturday were later found in city centre litter bins.

A police spokesman said: "People are always on their guard when travelling on the Underground in London, but perhaps they are complacent when shopping in St Albans because it is such a safe city.

"But shoppers must remember to keep their bags in front of them and put a hand on them."

Police are also investigating a theft in the city library on Friday, which they believe is connected to the Saturday incidents.

The victim of this theft was a mother who, having bent down to attend to her baby, stood up to find her purse had been stolen from her bag which hung from the pushchair.

Anyone with information on these thefts can call St Albans police on 01727 796000.

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