POLICE are warning shoppers to be on their guard during the Christmas period after a spate of purse snatchings in a town centre.

Jonathan Schofield

POLICE are warning shoppers to be on their guard during the Christmas period after a spate of purse snatchings in a town centre.

Four purses were stolen within an hour yesterday in Bury St Edmunds.

The first was taken from a woman's shopping bag in Cornhill Shopping Centre at 12.15pm.

A police spokesman said a suspicious looking woman was seen nearby at the time, described as white, in her 40s or 50s of slim build, with fair permed hair and wearing dark clothing.

A second purse was taken from a woman's handbag in Cornhill and two more from women in Gosnold Street and the Buttermarket.

Anyone with information on these crimes should call Pc Mark Ellis at the Bury Central Safer Neighbourhood Team on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.