A THIEF snatched a handbag containing £200 from a pensioner in Verwood.

The 69-year-old West Moors woman was walking on Glenwood Road at about 1.40pm on October 5 when the thief struck shortly after she had withdrawn money from a cashpoint at the nearby Tesco Express store on Station Road.

The bag also contained a gold bracelet and a gold chain.

Dorset Police is appealing for witnesses and information following the incident and have released pictures of the jewellery the bag contained.

The man was wearing blue trousers, possibly jeans, and a dark-coloured parka-style jacket. No further description of the offender is available.

PC Nigel Richards, of Ferndown Police said: “Shortly before the victim’s handbag was stolen she had withdrawn money from a cash machine – I believe that the offender may have seen her with this money and followed her to Glenwood Road.

“Aside from the money, the handbag contained two items of jewellery that have sentimental value to the victim.

“I would also like to hear from anyone, perhaps a pawnbroker or jeweller, who has been offered jewellery matching those pictured since Monday afternoon.

“All calls will of course be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

Anyone with information can ring Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.