Alleged thief caught picking purse on camera in Northamptonshire vegetable aisle

Police have released CCTV footage of an alleged purse theft taking place at a shop in Harlestone Road, St James, Northampton, on February 5.

The video shows a man approaching an elderly woman at about 9.25am and appearing to reach his hand inside a coat pocket.

The alleged offender was a man in his mid-40s, around 5ft 11 inches tall and of “portly build” with short, black hair.

He wore glasses, a dark waist length jacket, brown trousers and shoes.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnesses the incident or who may have any information regarding it.

A force spokesperson said the pickpocketing is also being linked to a “similar incident,” which took place in Brackley on Monday, February 29.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Details of the incident in Brackley can be found here.