A woman thief who steals from frail, elderly people has robbed a pensioner as she walked to church.

The elderly woman was in Conifer Close on the Greenstead estate when she was targeted at 10.45am yesterday.

She was on her way to morning worship when the thief snatched her handbag containing cash and personal belongings.

It is the third incident of its kind in recent weeks on Greenstead.

Police are linking the crimes and have appealed for anyone who knows the suspect to contact them.

The thief is in her 20s with straggly hair. She was wearing a blouse with green bands on each sleeve and white pedal pushers.

Last month the thief struck twice. In the first incident she stole a 77-year-old's money for the week and left her too scared to leave her home.

That happened outside the Co-op supermarket in the Centre, Greenstead, and later prompted a good Samaritan to give the victim cash to help her make up for her loss.

Days later the thief offered to help a pensioner walk home with her shopping then snatched her handbag in Magnolia Drive.

Anyone with information should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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