Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward following a string of purse thefts in Chester.

Police in Chester received four reports of theft in the city centre Between Monday 16 June and Tuesday 17 June.

First, a woman had been walking along the city walls at 11.30am on Monday 16 June, when she believed her purse had been stolen from her rucksack.

Another woman called the police at around 3.35pm on Monday 16 June, reporting her purse had been stolen after walking through Chester - including near to Chester Cathedral and along the city walls.

At some time between 10am and 12pm on Tuesday 17 June, another woman reported her purse had been removed from her rucksack in the city centre.

Another theft from a rucksack was reported to have occurred the same day at some time between 11.30am and 12pm, near to the city walls area.

Inspector James Wilson, of Chester Local Policing Unit, said: "We would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in Chester city centre on Monday 16 June or Tuesday 17 June, or has any other information in relation to these purse theft incidents.

"As we see the return of warmer weather, with more people out and about, opportunistic thieves may be on the lookout for an easy way to make criminal gains.

"These criminals can be incredibly good at distracting you and using other methods to steal your belongings, so you may not even realise the crime has taken place.

"This is why we are encouraging everyone to be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

"You can report information on these recent incidents to Cheshire Police by calling 101 or through our website. Please quote 25000501750."

There are a few simple precautions people can take to deter opportunistic thieves:

• Carry your purse in a zipped-up bag and always keep the bag close to you and where you can see it
• Attach an audible alarm to your purse/wallet, such as purse bells
• Never leave your bag in a shopping trolley or basket
• Avoid withdrawing large amounts of money if not necessary
• Be aware of people around you, following you, or getting too close to your person and your belongings

Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously around others or has any information about incidents of this nature is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101.