SHOPPERS are being warned to take extra care at safeguarding their handbags and shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

Hereford police say people need to take more precautions after two women had bags stolen while on shopping trips.

A man riding a bicycle stole a woman's handbag from her shopping trolley.

The victim had just left the Tesco store in Bewell Street, Hereford, with a trolley full of shopping, when the man cycled past.

He sped off past the Bowling Green Public House into Broad Street towards the Cathedral after the theft on Thursday, November 8 at about 7.10pm.

The man, who was riding a black-and-white Raleigh bike, was wearing a red-and-white jacket and white trainers. He may have been wearing white gloves.

On Friday, September 21, at the Belmont Tesco store a woman left her rucksack on her car seat while she returned her trolley to the trolley park.

On her return she saw a man walking off across the car park with her rucksack.

"We're urging people to be on their guard as we get closer to Christmas and the streets and shops of Hereford get busier," said Sgt Tim Powell.

"Make sure that your belongings are safe and secure and, in particular, on you.

"Don't leave them unattended as they become targets for thieves."

Anyone with any information about the thefts should call Hereford police on 01432 276422 or call anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555111.