WOMEN were last night urged to be on their guard against robbers and thieves targeting them for their handbags.

Police spoke out after two shoppers in Bolton had their bags stolen.

A 53-year-old woman was attacked in Dingle Walk, Bolton, at around 2.30pm last Sunday when she was approached from behind by a man who grabbed her bag.

The woman tried to resist but the man tugged at the bag until she let go. He was white, of heavy set, around 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a thick black Parka style jacket zipped up all the way up.

In the second snatch, an 84-year-old woman was targeted in Hobart Street, Halliwell, at around noon last Friday as she was locking her front door.

She had put her shopping bags down when the thief leaned across to steal a canvas bag. He fled with the bag, containing an umbrella and gloves, worth £13.

The man was white and between 5ft 11ins and 6ft tall. He was aged between 30 and 40, was of muscular build and had a round, clean shaven face. He was wearing a black navy duffel coat, with the hood up, and dark trousers.

Insp Phil Spurgeon, head of Bolton Central Division, said opportunistic crimes such as bag snatches and purse thefts had increased in the run up to Christmas.

He added: “People need to have their wits about them by keeping their bags zipped up and secure and avoid having any valuables on display.”

Insp Spurgeon said the Bolton Neighbourhood Police Team was working hard to gather intelligence to bring town centre thieves and muggers to justice.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.