Purse thieves have struck again in Abingdon.

A 59-year-old woman discovered her purse was stolen while she was shopping in Hallmark Shop, Bury Street, at around 11am last Wednesday.

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.”

At least nine elderly shoppers have had their purses stolen in Abingdon since the start of November.

Last week Eli Nanova, 27, of London, was arrested and charged with theft and appeared at Oxford Magistrates’ Court.

She was jailed for 16 weeks after a purse theft at British Heart Foundation shop.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 55111.