TWO women who stole cash cards from elderly shoppers to buy goods have been jailed and banned from Bolton town centre for three years.

Winifred Heaney, aged 43, and Sharon McDonagh, aged 28, sobbed as they were each jailed for nine months at Bolton Crown Court.

Under the terms of the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, they must not enter town centre shopping areas or associate with each other in any public place in Bolton.

Mr Recorder Gee QC described them as "professional fraudsters" and said he would be failing in his public duty if he did not jail them. He said: "Although you acted separately, you were working as a team. You preyed on innocent members of the public going about their ordinary lives. It must have caused enormous distress."

Heaney, of Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton, Manchester, admitted three counts of theft, two counts of handling stolen goods and one count of obtaining goods by deception.

McDonagh, of Albert Avenue, Gorton, pleaded guilty to eight counts of obtaining property by deception, one of theft and two counts of handling stolen goods. Both had long criminal records, the court heard.

The court heard McDonagh used stolen credit cards to buy electrical equipment and clothing from a range of stores -- including two gold chains worth £230 on March 26 last year after a shopper's handbag was stolen.

The same card was used later that day at different shops, the court was told. Woolworths and Martin Dawes were targeted a day later.

Heaney then stole purses from three shoppers on April 4 and Woolworths was targeted. The pair were arrested as they left carrying money and gift vouchers.

Lisa Boocock, defending on behalf of mother-of-four McDonagh, said: "She has come from a difficult and troubled background. She has acted in a wrong and misguided way and is remorseful. These offences have been a catalyst for change."

Mark Firman, defending Heaney, said she did not object to the ASBO order and stole to fuel a partner's gambling and drink habits. He said: "Her life has its ups and downs."

Today, police and Bolton Council said the sentence and order sent out a strong message. Insp Karen Lee, of Bolton Police, said: "We will continue to combat anyone who targets shops and shoppers in Bolton. By working closely with the council, we will seek to recommend many more people for Anti Social Behaviour Orders."

Rob Dyson, Bolton's Business Crime Manager, said: "We will not tolerate street criminals and handbag thieves. The public have a right to shop in safety."

Sharon McDonagh

Winifred Heaney