Arrest made as handbags taken in Wolverhampton distraction thefts
A woman has been arrested in connection with a series of bag snatches in Wolverhampton city centre.
The 34-year-old, from Rowley Regis, was arrested on suspicion of theft and has been bailed until next month while investigations continue.
Police said there had been four thefts in which pensioners had their handbags stolen while eating or drinking in pubs in the city centre.
Officers said a thief had been spotted entering pubs and buying a drink before sitting down near to elderly targets who had left their handbags on the floor. It was only later the victims realised that some of their valuables had been taken. The victims, who are aged between 47 and 86, were from Oxley, Slade Heath and Cannock.
Crimes were reported at the George Wallis pub on Victoria Street in February and March, while two others were reported at the Lady Wulfruna and the Moon Under Water in Lichfield Street last month.
Pc Darren Neville, from Wolverhampton Police's business team, said: "Although we have made an arrest, we continue to investigate the thefts and appeal for information to identify the woman in the images."
Police have been trawling CCTV footage and trying to raise awareness.
Anyone with information is asked to call Wolverhampton Police's business team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
