Police warn of distraction thefts

Police in Surrey are advising residents to be vigilant after two elderly women were targeted in distraction thefts.

The two victims had their purses stolen by men who diverted their attention by asking for directions on Monday.

The first incident took place at 1000 BST when the woman was stopped in the street in Godalming and asked for directions to the station.

While looking at the map a second man stole her purse. Within the hour a woman was targeted in Farncombe.

Area PC Derek Fry said: "Targeting elderly residents in this way is a pretty callous thing to do and I would urge residents to be on their guard against this type of distraction technique."