POLICE in Tavistock this week praised a local woman in her 60s after an attempted bag snatch — and issued a warning to others to stay on their guard.

The incident took place at around 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 6, in the alley that runs from the far end of Bedford Car Park to Plymouth Road.

A lady in her 60s was walking along carrying her handbag when she felt it being tugged. She realised what was happening and told the would-be thief to stop. At this point the thief ran off.

Police are treating this incident as linked to a similar incident that took place on the night of Goose Fair on the footpath behind Tavistock Primary School , and are concerned that this thief is likely to try again. Fortunately the lady in the more recent incident was not injured.

The suspect in this case is believed to be male, aged around 15 or 16 years of age.

He was described as thin and wore what looked to be a black hoody.

The victim had withdrawn some money from a cashpoint in the town shortly before the attempt was made. Police said it is possible that the thief was watching her and targeted her for that reason.

Sgt Dave Anning advised people to be both cautious and alert.

He said: 'This thief appears to be targeting ladies aged over 50, so if you are such a lady please be extra vigilant and make a conscious effort not to put yourself at risk.

'I don't want to alarm anyone unnecessarily, but until we catch this thief there are some sensible precautions that can be taken.

'Try not to carry large sums of cash, and if you draw money out of a cashpoint try to use an indoor cashpoint or one where there is no-one around.

'Evenings are drawing in, so get things done early enough to ensure you don't have to walk home in the dark. Obviously, try to avoid alleys or paths that are isolated.

'This is a very community minded town and I wold ask everyone to bear these offences in mind.

'If you see something clearly suspicious — someone watching people at a cashpoint or apparently following a lady with a bag — please call us on 999.

'There is quite a lot of CCTV around the town and even if we don't find a suspicious individual then and there, we can back track and will try to capture a good picture of them.'

Anyone with any information regarding this incident should contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number JT/13/1516.