[Reference: BA154 Crime number: 3161/12]
An elderly lady has had her purse taken from her secure handbag while shopping in Sainsburys in Ashbourne at lunchtime on Friday 20th January. It is thought that the offender unzipped the handbag and removed the purse while the lady was distracted.
Officers are advising shoppers to be aware of anyone acting suspicious or getting too close to you, or of people who try to distract you by bumping into you. Report them to shop staff as many shops are linked by the shop watch radio scheme.
Please avoid leaving handbags unattended in shopping trolleys, even for just a moment.
Anyone with information should call Derbyshire police on 101 – quote crime number: 3161/12.
Thank you.
Trisha Mellor, Community Information Officer,
Buxton Division
PARWICH.ORG 
Aunty Eileen had this done to her last year in Sainsburys so please be aware and keep safe.
This is a very common occurrence in Spain, especially in supermarkets and supermarket car parks. Some sort of distraction always precedes these thefts and often it’s a person wanting help so the target acts the Good Samaritan while the accomplice lifts the purse. All my friends to whom it has happened say they feel so stupid afterwards because we are constantly told to be vigilant. Older women on their own are especially targeted but it can happen to anyone. Use a small shoulder bag, hang it round your neck facing the front.
Not only Spain… it’s very common in cities in the UK.