Second distraction theft involving '˜pen story'

Two women have had their handbags stolen in the space of two weeks after helping a stranger who told them he needed a pen.

On Wednesday, June 1 a young man approached an elderly lady in her front garden in Nicholas Way, Hemel Hempstead, and asked for a pen.

She allowed him inside to use a pen but he then told her it was not working and asked for another.

The victim left the room to get a new pen but when she returned, the man was leaning over an armchair.

He told her he was looking for paper, but after he left she noticed her handbag had gone.

This is the second incident less than two weeks, with the previous having taken place at Woodwells Cemetery on Buncefield Lane, near Maylands Avenue, on May 28.

Police are asking members of the public to remain vigilant for this kind of suspicious behaviour.

If you have any information regarding the offence on June 1, please call 101 quoting crime reference D1/16/3941.