Police release images of suspected pickpockets (From York Press)

Police release images of suspected pickpockets

9:33am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

POLICE have released this image of two people wanted in connection with a series of thefts from shops in Selby.

A number of pensioners have had their purses stolen from their handbags and trolleys in the town.

An offender distracts them and the other takes the items, police said.

The first incident occurred at about 10.30am on January 25 when a woman’s purse was stolen from her pocket in Yorkshire Trading Co, in Gowthorpe.

About an hour later, a 64-year-old woman had her purse stolen in a charity shop in Finkle Street.

Police have now released this CCTV image.

The first suspect is an Asian man, with dark hair. At the time of the theft, he was wearing a dark jacket, jeans and black shoes.

The second is an Asian woman with long, dark hair, wearing a parker-style jacket with a distinctive badge on the left arm.

Similar incidents have taken place in Morrisons in Market Cross, and Tesco, in Portholme Road.

Police warned shoppers to be vigilant.

Sgt Lesley Holliday said: “I am urging people who are going out shopping in Selby to be on their guard at all times. Thieves are opportunistic and if you give them the slightest chance to steal your belongings they won’t hesitate.”