A WOMAN in her 50s had her wallet stolen during a distraction theft in Waitrose.

At about 6.30pm on March 15, the woman was in Waitrose in Churchill Way West when a man started talking to her, having dropped a store token on the floor.

The woman picked the token up for him, and during this time, a second man removed the wallet containing bank cards from the woman’s bag, which was in her shopping trolley.

The men both then left the store.

PCSO John Taylor said: “Fortunately, the woman realised quickly that her wallet had been stolen and immediately cancelled her cards before they could be used.

“We would urge residents to be mindful of distraction thefts of this nature when out and about shopping – always keep your bags zipped up or fastened where possible and keep purses at the bottom, or inside a separate secure compartment within your bag to help reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of crime.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190025935.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.