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Police have warned elderly women to be on their guard after handbag snatchers have been targeting them in the town.

At the same time, police have offered advice to elderly residents after a spate of distraction burglaries.

But Acting Inspector Dave Lockyear has stressed that Haverhill is a safe town with one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

Within the space of two weeks three women in their 80s have had their handbags snatched in daylight attacks while walking in the town.

And bogus callers have duped an 86-year-old at Haverhill, an 87-year-old woman at Clare and an elderly man at Kedington.

In the latest handbag snatch, an 81-year-old woman was robbed last Friday at 10.10 am as she walked along the Railway Walk behind the Sports Centre.

The previous Saturday, an 83-year-old woman had her bag snatched at Downs Crescent and in the Saturday before an 85-year-old woman had her bag stolen as she also walked along a path near the Sports Centre.

The latest offender is described as white, aged between 16 to 20, wearing a dark coloured hat and a blue or black jacket. Although not injured, the victim was left shaken and in a state of shock.

A man and two women came to her assistance, but police have only been able to trace one of the women. They would like to speak to the other two people, who could have valuable information.

Police are also appealing for information from anyone else who saw the incident or anything suspicious. They should contact Suffolk Police on (01284) 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Acting Inspector Lockyear said the public could reduce the risk of becoming a victim by taking certain steps.

He recommended people kept all bags and wallets securely closed, using straps to secure bags to their body, not to carry large amounts of cash and to use a personal attack alarm.

Identification, including addresses, should be kept separate from a bag or purse, which should not be left unattended, particularly in supermarkets.

People should be aware of those around them, particularly when using cash machines, and use well lit, well used routes when out on foot.

Personal attack alarms are available at the police station at a cost of £6 each.

In the latest distraction burglary, a pensioner had his wallet stolen by a teenage girl and a middle aged man who tricked their way into his home.

The two offenders called on the man at around 11.30 am last Friday pretending to be concerned about his welfare. While the elderly man was making a cup of tea at his home in Kedington, the two offenders escaped with his wallet.

A police spokesman said: “We would advise that all residents check the identity of all callers before letting them into their homes.

“If they are in any doubt they should not let them in and call the police if they are suspicious.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.