A WARNING has been issued to shoppers after a spate of thefts in a Hampshire supermarket.

Police say there were two incidents where shoppers' handbags were targeted while in the Asda in Chandler's Ford on March 22.

During one incident £45 of cash was stolen from a purse between 4.25pm and 5pm while the victim, a woman in her 70s, was shopping.

Another woman, aged in her 80s, also reported that her purse had been stolen some time between 2.30pm and 4.30pm while she was shopping in the same shop.

A police spokesperson said: "Be vigilant of who is around you and make sure your bags, purses and personal belongings are kept close to you at all times."

Police enquiries indicate there could be other people who have been the victim of similar offences in the store, however, they have only received two official reports.

Concerning the thefts, Chandler's Ford councillor Alan Broadhurst said: "I am a bit surprised. It is usually a pretty low crime area. Certain parts of Chandler's Ford have been targeted in the past."

Anyone with information on crime in the area can contact police on 101.