A WOMAN in her 70s had her blue handbag stolen from her kitchen while she was in her home.

Between 11.15am and 11.45am on Sunday (August 19), police say somebody walked into the property in The Chase, Verwood and stole the item.

The victim reported seeing a blue saloon style vehicle, which was caked in mud along the bottom, outside her home around the time of the offence.

The suspect is described as a white man with blond hair and scruffy in his appearance.

PC Liam Foster, of East Dorset police, said: “This incident has obviously caused the victim a great deal of concern as the offence occurred while she was in her own home and we have offered her support and crime prevention advice.

“We are also carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the offender and I am appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the offence, or who saw a car or man matching the above descriptions, to please contact us.”

For advice on how to protect your home and property, visit dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180133799.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.