Shoppers in Witney are being warned to protect their belongings from opportunist thieves after a woman's purse was snatched from her daughter's pushchair.

Tamara Mathias believes her purse was taken from a bag hung on the pushchair while she was shopping for clothes for her two-year-old daughter at Adams Childrenswear, in the Woolgate Centre.

She reported to the theft to police, who are investigating and have appealed for anyone who may have found the purse, or have any information about the incident, to contact them.

Mrs Mathias, who lives in Curbridge, near Witney, said she desperately wanted her purse back as it contained sentimental items that could not be replaced.

She said: "I had the purse for over 10 years and so feel quite upset.

"Inside, there was a photo of my husband and my son, along with approximately £10 and four debit cards, and also my driving licence.

"The most important thing that I lost was a small pink ticket that I had had in my purse for 14 years that reminded me of my first date with my husband when I watched him play football at Witney at the old Marriotts Close grounds.

"I would very much like this back, but know the chances of this are very slim.

"I hope these people get caught and would like to make people aware that this is happening in Witney."

Mrs Mathias was shopping in Adams between 11am and midday on Monday last week when the theft happened.

She said she had been told another woman had had her purse stolen while shopping at Sainsbury's, in Witan Way, Witney, last Tuesday, but police spokesman Victoria Bartlett said there were no reports of any other purse thefts in the town recently.

The theft from Mrs Mathias had been passed on to West Oxfordshire's priority policing team.

Miss Bartlett said: "We are investigating this incident and urge anyone with information to call 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111."