Thieves stole a handbag containing a large amount of cash and bank cards from Hall's Bags, in Yorkersgate, Malton.

Two men were seen in the shop at about the time of the theft. One was white, 30-years-old, 5ft 10in with a beer belly, balding grey hair, wearing a grey T shirt and jeans.

The younger man was white, 5ft 9in, medium build with a short-sleeved shirt.

The shop's owner was later contacted by a man claiming to be a police officer, who said her property had been founded and they needed the PIN to her bank cards to identify herself. The woman refused to hand over her number.

"In any case when the police contact someone they should be able to offer the complainant a North Yorkshire Police reference, and if people are in doubt they should contact the police themselves," said a police spokesperson.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, July 25, 2003