A DESPICABLE couple who rob elderly shoppers in supermarkets across Scotland are being hunted by police.

Three of the thefts have taken place at Asda stores in the West of Scotland in the last month.

Today Strathclyde Police issued CCTV images of the couple in a bid to catch them after the spate of thefts.

Police say the footage shows the same couple have been involved in five thefts at various locations.

On each occasion they have distracted the attention of elderly female shoppers to steal their purses containing cash and bank cards - some of which have then been used.

The female suspect is described as aged 25 to 35, white, with light brown hair worn in a ponytail and is 5ft to 5ft 5in tall .

The male suspect is described as aged 35 to 45, with a tanned complexion, of stocky build and 5ft 3in to 5ft 5in. He wore jeans and a short sleeved shirt.

The first incident occurred at 11.10am on Monday March 31 at Asda, in Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs, where the two suspects approached a woman.

The OAP then asked for the assistance of the female to reach an item, and when they were gone, she discovered her purse, which contained a three-figure sum of cash and bank cards was missing from her bag.

The second incident occurred at 2.45pm on Wednesday May 14 at Asda, in Harbour Road, Ardrossan, where the two suspects offered to help a 77-year-old woman.

She discovered her purse, which held a two-figure sum of cash and bank cards, was gone when she got to the checkout.

The third incident took place at 3.30pm the same day at Asda, Rivergate, Irvine, where a 77-year-old woman was approached.

The man pushed his shopping basket against the woman and when the elderly woman got to the checkout, she noticed her purse was missing from her handbag. It also contained a two- figure sum and bank cards.

Transactions totalling around £800 were then made from the stolen cards that day.

Following inquiries with other Scottish Forces two similar incidents, at an Asda at Dunfermline and a Tesco in Stirling, were also noticed.

After checking CCTV, it was confirmed that the same suspects are responsible. It is believed the pair have access to a Vauxhall or Opel Astra car with the registration number OB37056 or OB3756.

Detective Constable Alan McAlpine of Saltcoats Police Office is warning shoppers to be on their guard.

And he is appealing for any witnesses to these incidents to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact his office on 01294 404500, their local police office or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.