A string of six town centre thefts has sparked an official warning from police about opportunist thieves.

Officers point to two particular cases in Maidstone: one between 10am and 11.30am on Tuesday, June 18, when a quantity of cash stolen from a pensioners her handbag in a Mill Street charity shop, and another on Saturday, June 22 when a phone and bank cards were taken while the owner was in an Earl Street bar.

Further thefts have been reported in the High Street, Week Street and areas of The Mall and Fremlin Walk.

District Commander for Maidstone, Ch insp Ray Quiller said: "While no offences have been reported in July and my town centre team remains alert for suspicious activity, I would remind shoppers to be careful when out and about to avoid becoming victim to opportunist thieves. Never leave handbags unattended on top of prams, shopping trolleys, wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

"Similarly, mobile phones should be kept in a zipped handbag or secure pocket. If you have one, a purse chain can be an effective measure against thieves. A number of these are available free in the ‘Ask Me’ shop in The Mall while stocks lasts."

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact 01622 604100 quoting reference number 46/126262/19. Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone