ELDERLY residents in Leominster have been targeted by thieves who are using distraction techniques in the town's supermarkets.

Police said there had been an increasing amount of reports of theft taking place in supermarkets with a particular increase in purse dipping offences, thefts involving distraction and shoulder surfing. Offenders have targeted vulnerable older people which increases the impact on victims.

Two incidents took place on Saturday, April 30 - one in Aldi and one in Morrisons.

One of the victims was over 70 and one was over 80.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.