Police are urging shoppers to be more vigilant against thieves.

It comes after two purses and a handbag were stolen in Sevenoaks town centre this week.

A woman in her 80s discovered her purse was missing as she tried to pay for an item around 10.30am on Monday, January 14.

On the High Street on the same morning, another pensioner reported that her handbag and purse had been taken between 9.30am and 10.30am

Chief inspector Nick Finnis said: "While these offences are not common in this town, and our local officers are always alert for suspicious activity, I would remind shoppers to be careful when out and about to avoid becoming victim to opportunist thieves.

"Never leave handbags unattended on top of prams, shopping trolleys, wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

"Always keep them zipped up and where you can see them.

"If you have one, a purse chain can be an effective measure against thieves."

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference number 46/8348/19.