Police want to speak to this man in connection with a purse theft in Lutterworth

The victim was targeted in a store in Lower Leicester Road in Lutterworth.

The middle-aged man pictured was wearing a dark coat, dark top, dark trousers and dark shoes.

He had a crew-cut haircut, was wearing glasses and appeared to be closely scrutinising an object in his hands.

The distressed victim was handed her purse back hours later after it was discarded by the thief and found by a member of the public.

But the offender had stolen her bank cards and cash from it.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "Officers investigating the theft of a purse from a woman at a store in Lutterworth would like to speak to the man pictured.

"A woman, who is in her 50s, was at the store in Lower Leicester Road on Sunday, October 13 when she noticed her purse was missing from her bag.

"The purse was returned to her later that afternoon after being found by a member of the public but had cash and bank cards missing from it.

"It is believed the purse had been stolen between 10.30am and 11am.

"Inquiries have been ongoing into the theft and officers believe the man pictured can help with inquiries."

If you recognise this man or know anything about this theft contact police on 101 quoting incident 19000547880.

Police are urging people to keep purses, wallets, mobile phones secure and out of sight – especially in the busy shopping run-up to Christmas.

They are also advising woman and elderly people to attach chains and bells to their purses in a bid to deter thieves.