ELDERLY women have been targeted by thieves while shopping in Abingdon.

Extra police patrols took to the town’s streets yesterday after three pensioners, all in their 70s, were preyed on by a gang of thieves yesterday.

Officers are also warning all elderly shoppers to take care when shopping in the town until the thieves are caught.

A 75-year-old woman fell victim to the first theft some time between 11am and midday.

She realised her purse had been stolen after trying to pay for something at a market stall in Market Place.

Between 11.30am and 11.45am a 78-year-old woman was in the Cancer Research UK shop when someone bumped into her.

Shortly afterwards she realised her purse had been stolen.

At about 11.20am a 77-year-old woman noticed her purse had been stolen when she was at a market stall.

She last used her purse in the Lounge Coffee Shop.

Extra officers were drafted into the town centre to deter the thieves and pass on crime reduction advice.

Anyone with information on the thefts should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.