A MAN who took advantage of a kind offer of a cup of coffee after he had been to church in Avebury on Sunday to steal from his hostess.

He went back to the woman’s house and while she was in the kitchen making drinks he searched her handbag and found her purse.

Police say he took between £40-£50 before putting it back into her bag. When the woman returned to the sitting room he pretended to receive a call on his mobile phone and told her he had to go outside to take it. He did not return.

Anyone with information which could help catch him is urged to ring 101.