BASILDON has seen a sharp increase in the number of pickpockets preying on the elderly and vulnerable.
The town has suffered a rising trend in the number of purse snatches, with 91 reported incidents over the last three months.
Over the last few days alone there have been four reported cases of thefts from innocent shoppers in Basildon and Wickford.
In the past six months, Essex Police estimate that around £70,000 was obtained by pickpockets.
Insp Dave Northcott, of Essex Police crime reduction team, said the typical victim was a woman aged 60 and is urging people to be more aware of their surroundings.
He said: "Commercial premises provide the richest pickings and supermarkets are popular venues."
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