A pickpocket targeted an 80-year-old woman while she was out shopping.

The thief snatched a purse from the victim's handbag while she was at the Co-op in Barfield Road, West Mersea, said police.

Purse and handbag thieves also targeted two pubs and a charity in Colchester, escaping with valuables. One purse, belonging to a member of staff, was taken from the New Possibilities Trust in Springfield Road, Lexden, said police.

Then at Yates's Wine Lodge in Head Street, Colchester, a handbag was taken, along with a purse, about £80 cash and bank cards.

And a thief took a purse, £45, bank cards and a driving licence from a staff room at the Chicago Rock Cafe in Queen Street, Colchester.

Anyone with information about the crimes should call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Tuesday, September 28, 2004

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