A GANG of suspected thieves are wanted by police after thousands of pounds were stolen from the bank account of a great-grandmother-of-four.

The 87-year-old victim has spoken of her shock after she discovered she had been targeted while out shopping with a friend in the town centre.

Around £3,000 was stolen from the bank account of the victim, who has asked not to be named, after her purse was stolen from inside her handbag in Golden Square Shopping Centre.

She said: "My family believe they had been watching me and had been following me which is a worrying thought.

"The only reason I looked in my bag is because I realised it was not as heavy and I had some coins in my purse.

"I always close my bag so they must have been able to open it."

The shocking theft took place on August 15 at around 12pm after the victim had visited Barclays Bank to withdraw cash.

Within the hour, thieves had been able to make a number of transactions and withdrawals using her card.

While the stolen cash has been returned to the victim, she now hopes the police will able to find those involved and bring them to justice.

PC Graham Davies has issued a warning to shoppers to always be vigilant following the incident.

He said: "If you have to carry your purse in your bag, always keep it zipped shut.

"My experience of these offences is that the offenders are often very skilled but will always take the easy option when looking for a victim – an open bag is just the option they like.

"Always be wary of people invading your personal space when you are out and about.

"Displays and tills are areas where these offences tend to take place as they know people’s attention will be elsewhere.

"Always be aware of what is going on around you."

CCTV of the four people suspected of targeting the pensioner to steal her purse has been released.

Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 citing crime reference number 0715241088 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.