Police appeal after 15 pensioners’ purses stolen in Greater Manchester supermarkets

Police believe the same thief may have struck about 15 times in different shops in Rochdale, Bury and Salford.
Jenny Simpson
By Jenny Simpson
Published 27th Apr 2022, 16:28 GMT
Updated 28th Apr 2022, 08:40 GMT
Police have issued a CCTV appeal as they look into 15 purse thefts at supermarkets Credit: GMPPolice have issued a CCTV appeal as they look into 15 purse thefts at supermarkets Credit: GMP
Police have issued a CCTV appeal as they look into 15 purse thefts at supermarkets Credit: GMP

Police have issued CCTV images as part of an operation to track down a thief who has been stealing purses from shoppers for over four months.

GMP are looking into 15 thefts in Rochdale, Bury and Salford. The first happened at Morrison’s in Rochdale in January 2022 and the most recent was yesterday (Tuesday 26 April) at Asda in Bury.

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The victims, who are all women aged between 63 and 94, have had their purses stolen while shopping in supermarkets.

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Their contactless cards have then been used to pay for shopping elsewhere.

Police have issued a CCTV appeal as they look into 15 purse thefts at supermarkets Credit: GMPPolice have issued a CCTV appeal as they look into 15 purse thefts at supermarkets Credit: GMP
Police have issued a CCTV appeal as they look into 15 purse thefts at supermarkets Credit: GMP

A GMP spokesman said: “Following an extensive review of CCTV footage, it is believed the woman in the images is the same individual, despite the differences in appearance.

“Anyone with information should contact police via [email protected] quoting Operation Loire. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Related topics:PoliceRochdaleSalfordASDA