GANGS of purse snatchers are plaguing Leigh town centre, police have warned.

And Ch Insp Brian Wroe is calling for women to be extra vigilant against the thieves, who are even targeting the elderly.

A woman discovered her purse containing £150 had been stolen in the town centre last Thursday when she went to withdraw money from a cash machine.

Another person was in a phone box on Bradshawgate, when a thief opened the door and snatched money left on top of the phone.

Other incidents include a woman queuing in a shop who had her purse snatched from her bag, and another woman in the Market Hall whose purse was stolen.

Ch Insp Wroe said: "There is a growing trend of incidents.

"I want to appeal to people to please take care of their property."

He appealed for ladies not to leave handbags open and to keep bags containing valuables close to the body.

Brian Wroe leaves Leigh sub-division next week for a new post at Sedgeley Park in the development and inspectorate section. He is replaced by Ch Insp Alex Wooley.

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