POLICE are hunting a callous thief who stole a purse containing £10 from a 93-year-old shopper.

The victim was in a town centre store when a man undid her bag and stole the purse. It happened on Friday, November 17. The thief is described as being in his forties, of rough appearance, smelling stongly of alcohol, and wearing working clothes.

Police are appealing for information into this and other incidents. Members of the public who think they can help are asked to ring CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. They could be eligible for a reward.

In a separate incident, at 3.25pm on Friday, November 17, an elderly woman was shopping in Chorley when she was approached by a man and woman who stole her purse containing family photos and £29 cash from out of her handbag.

The woman is described as white, with dyed blond shoulder-length hair. She was wearing a black jacket with a white scarf. The man is said to be about 22 and 5ft 7ins tall.

At 1.25pm on Thursday, November 23, two bogus officials entered the bungalow of an elderly woman on Rawlinson Lane, Heath Charnock, through the open front door and confronted her in the lounge. Claiming to be from the water board, they distracted her before stealing £40 after searching the house.

One is said to be around 30, 5ft 9ins, of heavy build, with whitish blond hair and a round face. The other is also around 30 and 5ft 9ins. He was wearing sunglasses and an anorak.

A man entered the home of an 89-year-old woman on Eaves Lane, Chorley, on Thursday, November 23, at 1.30pm, saying he was investigating a flood next door.

The woman was tricked into filling pans of water as he searched the house, stealing £10 before making off.

He is described as white, in his early twenties, 5ft 8ins, of slim build, with dark, short hair, not cropped, and of scruffy appearance.