Shoppers on alert after another OAP struck by thieves in Clydebank town centre

The 84-year-old may have been followed from a cash machine on April 20 before her bag was stolen in the latest incident in a number of weeks.

All the victims have been women aged in the 60s, 70s and 80s and Clydebank police said they continued to urge shoppers to be vigilant and reminded them to keep bags closed and watch people nearby.

Plain clothes officers have been sent in the area this month after the first thefts were reported along with a recent appearance by the Crime Prevention Panel to reassure residents and put on a united front against the problem.

Inspector David Quinn told the Post: "Clydebank Police officers have received several reports of thefts from handbags within the town centre area of Clydebank.  "Extra officers are being deployed in the town centre and these reports are being investigated. I would urge all shoppers to secure their valuables, keep handbags and purses securely fastened and in their possession at all times.

"Avoid placing these articles in trolleys or baskets. I would also ask shoppers to be vigilant when using cash machines and pay attention to their surroundings.  "Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police and anyone with concerns is urged to speak to a police officer or contact Clydebank Community Police on 101."

The first incident in the spate of purse snatchings involved an 85-year-old woman who was targetted on March 31 in Sylvania Way South. On the same day, a 70-year-old woman was also robbed in Britannia Way.  Then on April 4, a 63-year-old woman reported the theft of her purse to police in Syilvania Way South.

Days later, another 75-year-old woman had her purse stolen between 11.40am and 12.20pm on April 15 in Sylvania Way South.

There has also been a spate of thefts from shoppers at bank machines in Glasgow in recent weeks prompting warnings across the region.

Nobody was available from the Crime Prevention Panel for comment as the Post went to press.