A nationwide search is under way in a bid to track down a white European woman suspected of a spate of purse thefts throughout Scotland.
The female, who is thought to have stolen a purse from a woman shopping at the Co-Operative in Main Street, Bridgend, Perth, on Wednesday, September 14, is being linked to a series of what Police Scotland have described as distraction thefts across various locations across the country.
Officers have she has been known to target elderly shoppers.
The announcement follows a recent warning issued by Sergeant James Thomson, of Police Scotland’s community safety team in Perth and Kinross, who urged women not to make it “easy for the thief” by leaving their purses in clear view in either bags or shopping trolleys.
“Only carry the necessary money you require and try not to advertise your property or purse to the thief by letting them know how much money you are carrying, particularly when paying for items,” he said.
And Chief Inspector Maggie Pettigrew, local area commander for Perth and Kinross, reiterated this message, along with details of the search for the “travelling female criminal” who is now being sought for a spate of such crimes in Scotland.
“People should remain vigilant at all times when carrying wallets and purses and where possible keep them within a zipped pocket inside a bag or handbag,” she said.
“A member of the public had her purse stolen from her handbag on Wednesday, September 14, from the Co-op, Main Street, Bridgend, Perth. The white European female suspected of committing the theft has been identified in other areas of Scotland where she has been committing distraction thefts— in particular targeting the elderly.
“She has still to be identified and traced.”
Anyone with information on the suspected thief should phone the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
