A WOMAN had her suitcase stolen from a train as she travelled to Dorset for her holidays.

Wendy Bennett, aged 63, caught the 9.54am train at Great Malvern station on Monday and travelled to Reading where she had to change trains to Dorset.

But when she reached Reading she realised that her black Antler cabin-sized suitcase, which she had placed in the luggage rack at the end of the aisle, had been stolen during the journey.

Mrs Bennett, of Guarlford, near Malvern, is spending a week in Dorset but her daughter, Tracey, said that she was very upset and greatly incovenienced by the theft.

Tracey Bennett said: “Her mobile phone charger was in her suitcase so she can’t be contacted at the moment.

“She’s had to buy some clothes down there and because she’s the same size as me I’ve sent her some of my clothes.

“There’s nothing of any value in the suitcase, but the inconveniance to her has been huge.”

A spokesperson for First Great Western said: "Theft of luggage is not a major issue on this route, but we can appreciate this would be a distressing experience for the passenger involved.

“We advise our customers to keep an eye on their belongings where possible, and if they do observe anything suspicious, to alert a member of train staff."

British Police (BTP) are currently investigating the incident, including looking at CCTV from the train and at stations along the route.

PC Martin Coulstock said: “Unfortunately, there is a risk that property may be stolen and there are people who think it is acceptable to take things that don’t belong to them.

“BTP takes these sorts of offences very seriously and we are committed to both driving down theft of passenger property and catching those responsible.

“I would urge people to remain vigilant at all times, leave your belongings where you can see them and don’t leave yourself open to becoming a victim.”

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040 quoting reference 224 of 26/09/2011 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.