Police today appealed for witnesses after a woman had her purse stolen from her handbag while she was shopping in Abingdon.

The 59-year-old woman was shopping in the town when she entered the Hallmark stop in Bury Street.

PC James Cartwright said: “The woman said she remembers her bag being zipped up earlier, but when she went to the till to pay it was open and her purse was missing.

“I would ask anyone who may have seen something suspicious, or who has any information regarding this incident, to come forward and speak to us.”

The theft happened at about 11am on Wednesday, March 3, but police only released details of the theft today.

Anyone with information should contact PC Cartwright via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505, or alternatively contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.