A MEAN-spirited thief stole a purse from a basket attached to an elderly woman's walking frame.

The theft of the black leather purse, containing £100, took place in Kidderminster's Aldi store at around 1.30pm on Tuesday.

It was the second time that day an elderly woman had been a theft victim and the latest incident in a spate of thefts in the town centre.

The second victim had paid for items in Marks & Spencer before putting the purse back in her bag.

When she wanted to pay for items in Sainsburys, on Crossley retail park, she found her purse was missing, between 11.15am and 11.45am.

The black leather purse contained £40 in notes plus loose change.

A police spokesman said: "Shoppers need to remain vigilant. They are asked to keep bags zipped up, where possible, and to be aware of people jostling them or trying to distract them."