AN elderly woman doing her supermarket shopping was targeted by a heartless thief who took her bag and all its contents.

The victim was shopping in Morrison’s on Castlegate in Malton when the thief struck last Wednesday, March 12, between 11am and 11.45am.

The thief stole a brown hessian shopping bag containing a brown leather handbag, a purse, money and a pair of glasses. The bag was removed from the hook under the trolley’s handlebar.

PC Melony Pitchford said: “If you witnessed the theft or can help to identify the person responsible I ask you to contact the police straight away.

“Can I also remind people to make sure that they keep an eye on their bags when out shopping. People only need to be distracted for a moment for thieves to steal their property.”

Contact Malton police on 101, select option two and ask for Melony Pitchford. Alternatively, information can be emailed to melony.pitchford@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.