TWO Wootton Bassett shoppers were victims of a handbag thief on market day.

A woman had the contents of her bag, valued at £65, stolen while shopping at the weekly High Street market.

Sergeant Andy Fortune, of the town's police, said: "She placed her shopping bag next to her on the floor, while reaching to get items at a stall.

"It was only when she got home that she realised that somebody had picked up the bag and taken items."

A Littlewoods voucher, a credit note and a bank statement were removed from the victim's bag.

At the town's post office a shopper's handbag was stolen after she placed it in a cupboard behind the counter.

On the same day, February 16, two similar thefts occurred in Swindon town centre.

Sgt Fortune said the crimes are not necessarily connected despite their similarities.

Anyone with any information should telephone Wootton Bassett Police on 01793 852213 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.