Warning to elderly bus travellers in Southport
Police on Merseyside are warning elderly people to be on guard while using public transport after a spate of thefts.
Officers believe thieves, who work in pairs, are targeting pensioners on buses in Southport.
They start conversations with them before taking their purses or wallets from handbags or coat pockets.
Acting Det Sgt Gavin Mulcahy said the thieves were "cowardly" and left their victims "anxious and distressed".
A police spokesman said officers were particularly keen to speak to two women, described as in their early 20s, with dark hair and Irish accents, who they believe may be able to help them with their enquiries.