Police release footage of thieves targeting woman, 87, in supermarket

Footage has been released showing the moment a brazen thief targeted an 87-year-old woman in a supermarket.

CCTV from the Aldi store shows a man rifling through the victim's handbag for almost 10 seconds, while she is distracted by an accomplice.

He then calmly pockets the purse and walks off down the aisle, with the unwitting woman left none the wiser.

The incident happened at the Oswestry store in Shropshire, at about 10.25am on Tuesday.

West Mercia Police has now released the video and stills of two male suspects, in a bid to trace the culprit.

The force said: "West Mercia Police has released CCTV in connection of a reported theft.

"The incident took place at around 10.25am on Tuesday 24 October, in a supermarket on Oswald Road in Oswestry.

"Anyone with information is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting 251s of 24 October 2017.

"Information can also be given anonymously to the Independent Charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org."