THREE "drive-by" handbag snatchers are preying on women shoppers in supermarket car parks.

The thugs, in a stolen car, struck twice over the weekend.

The thieves grabbed one woman's bag but were foiled when they tried to rob a second woman.

Detectives believe they will strike again and have warned local women to be on their guard.

The car was stolen from Bolton town centre and the first victim was in the Kwik Save car park in Farnworth shortly after 5pm on Friday. One thug grabbed the woman's bag before they drove off at high speed. They struck again the next day at Asda in Farnworth at 6.30pm but escaped empty handed when the woman held on to her bag.

The car was later found abandoned.

One thief is white, in his 20s, 5ft 8ins tall, stocky build with shaved hair. Another is also white with short dark hair.

Anyone who saw either incident or has any information is asked to contact Bolton Central CID, tel: Bolton 522466.

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