Shoppers are being warned of thieves stealing handbags from trolleys after a spate of thefts at supermarkets in the Canterbury area.

Police received three reports of bags and purses being taken in Canterbury and Whitstable on Thursday, August 17.

A brown handbag containing cash and bank cards was reported stolen from a trolley in Sainsbury’s in Kingsmead Road, Canterbury, between 10amand 10.20am, and at 11am a phone in a case with bank cards was taken from a bag in a trolley in Aldi in St Andrew’s Close.

Between 11.30amand midday on the same day, a black leather bumbag containing a mobile phone, bank cards and other items was reportedly taken from a trolley in Aldi in Prospect Way, Whitstable.

Sergeant Colette Todd said enquiries are ongoing and police are remaining open-minded as to whether the thefts are linked.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind people when shopping, to keep your bags zipped up and within your sight,” she said.

“Never leave them unattended as it can only take a moment for items to be stolen while you are distracted in a store.

“Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you when shopping and make sure your purse, mobile phones and other valuables are hidden from view in the bottom of your bag or a zipped pocket.”

Anyone with information regarding the thefts can call Kent Policeon 01843 222289 quoting ZY/38562/17 for the Sainbury’s incident, ZY/38509/17 for Canterbury Aldi and ZY/38603/17 for Whitstable Aldi.

Alternatively, contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.