Police in Halesowen are warning people to be aware of pickpocketers targeting the elderly and vulnerable after a spate of thefts in the town.

Dorothy Lewis is the latest in a string of victims who have had purses stolen by lightfingered thieves.

Police say they have stepped up patrols and have been issuing tips on how to stay safe - which they claim has led to a dip in the trend.

Dorothy, aged 75, was in Russells Fruit Shop in the Cornbow Centre on Friday May 4 between 12.45pm and 1pm when her purse containing her £70 pension was taken.

She was shopping for her 90-year-old friend and had a shopping bag in each hand, and put her purse in her pocket. She didn't see or feel a thing.

Dorothy said: "My first reaction was to burst out crying. After that I was very, very angry.

"Just the one time I wasn't careful enough. I'm an old wrinkly and that's who they target.

"I haven't seen a poster in any of the shops to say beware of pickpockets. There haven't been any broadcasts on the tannoy. I don't think they want to in case it scares people off. I want to warn people to be on their guard."

Dorothy said she had heard of a spate of pickpocketing around the town.

She said when someone went to report the theft for her to the security office in the Cornbow there was no-one there as they had been working the night before to cover the elections.

Sergeant Gogy Bedi said: "Over a period of a few weeks there were a few purse dippings. We identified early that these offences were occuring."

Sgt Bedi said police presence had been stepped up in the town, posters were put up in shops and leaflets distributed warning people to be careful.

He said people should keep purses in handbags - with handbags zipped up and worn around the neck to the front of the body.

Eve O'Connor, Cornbow Centre manager, said pickpocketing was a problem for shopping centres nationwide: "Working with the local police, we have posted signs all around The Cornbow warning people to neither carry their purse in their hand nor to keep credit cards or keys in them. We ask them to keep their handbag closed and with them at all times and to immediately report any lost or stolen bag.

"Whenever the centre's open, CCTV is in constant operation and the security office is open at all times. "