MOBILE phones and purses have been snatched in a series of distraction thefts across the Vale of White Horse.

There have been more than 10 incidents since last December.

Police believe all involve suspects of East European origin, working as part of a gang.

Officers want to speak to two people, pictured, over the theft of a bag at Aquarius hairdressers, in Southmoor, on Saturday, February 7, at about 11am.

A phone was stolen from Philosophy Hairdressing in Abingdon on December 15 last year and an iPhone was taken from VIP Treatment Rooms, in Faringdon, on December 31.

On January 21 a mobile phone was taken from Deevers Hairdressers, in Mill Street, Wantage. Later that day cash was taken from Jeanette 11 hairdressers, in Ock Street, Abingdon, but it was recovered when staff confronted the thieves outside.

An iPhone was taken from the Wish Box in Market Place, Wantage, on February 1, and on February 7 a mobile was taken from Hinksey Funeral Directors in Botley. Phones were also stolen at The Look hairdressers in Abingdon, Absolutely Gorgeous in Watchfield, and the Trout Inn, at Buckland Marsh.

Purses were taken from handbags at QS in Ock Street, Abingdon, from the Helen & Douglas House charity shop in Abingdon, and the British Heart Foundation shop in Abingdon.

Pc Lorraine O’Connor, of Wantage police, said: “All the descriptions of the suspects are fairly similar, with the women wearing headscarfs and long skirts with pouches on them and speaking poor English.”