Bag snatchers strike twice In Littlehampton

However, police say it's unlikely the two thefts are linked, as descriptions of the suspects do not match.

The first was in the Green Lady passageway, off East Street, at 9.30am. A woman was pushing a baby buggy when her handbag was stolen from the buggy's hood. The black bag, with metal and silver handles, contained keys to her flat and 90 in a red purse.

The offender is described as a white 15-year-old, 5ft 5inch tall, slimly built with a spotty face and wearing a black hoody, black jogging trousers, tucked into white socks and white Nike trainers. He ran off towards Cornwall Road.

Police search

Police carried out a search of the area for the youth or the bag but nothing was traced.

Anyone who finds a bag or purse matching the description, or recognises the thief or was in this area at the time should contact PC Alan Russell, telephone 0845 60 70 999.

At 10.45am another bag was snatched from a shopper in the Anchor Springs Somerfield store. Inside the bag were her house keys, 40 cash, a further 20-30 in a purse and 80 in a wallet. The black nylon shoulder bag had two zips on the front and one on top, with an extendable strap.

The woman said she had noticed a man and woman acting suspiciously just before the theft.

Smartly dressed

The man was white, 5ft 10inch, of slim to medium build and in his mid-20s. He had dark hair, possibly a no. 3 grade cut and was wearing a white/grey camouflage patterned army top with a hood, and blue jeans.

The woman was smartly dressed, all in black. She was in her late 20s, about 5ft 6inch tall and slimly built. She was wearing a black leather jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes and her dark hair was in a pony tail.

Anyone with information about this theft should contact PC Jane Mills, telephone 0845 60 70 999.

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