Police release CCTV after pensioner has purse stolen from her handbag while shopping in Hemel Hempstead

Officers investigating the theft of a purse in Hemel Hempstead have released a CCTV image of a woman they would like to speak to as part of their enquiries.

The theft happened in Marks and Spencer in The Marlowes Shopping Centre between 2.10pm and 2.40pm on Wednesday, June 2.

The victim, a woman aged in her eighties, was shopping when she realised her purse had been taken from her handbag.

One of the victim’s bank cards was used to make a contactless purchase in The Perfume Shop in The Marlowes Shopping Centre later the same day.

PCSO Simon Jackman, from the Hemel Hempstead town centre team, said: “We would like to identify and speak to the person pictured as they were in the area at the time of the theft and we believe they may have information that could assist our investigation.

“If you recognise them, please get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

You can email PCSO Jackman at [email protected], report information online, or call 101, quoting reference 41/41143/21. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website.