Plain-clothes officers began patrolling the town after 11 elderly women were mugged.

And it could have done the trick.

This week, since last Monday, there have been no more attacks.

"We are taking this very seriously and have specially trained officers in various positions in the town," said Det Insp Ian Forbes.

Detectives are on foot, in cars and at strategic surveillance points around Knutsford.

"We are hoping it will either put the man off or force him to show his hand in public," he said.

It is also believed police officers are working extra hours following the spate of bag snatches.

This week Maurice Cass, president of the Knutsford branch of the Royal British Legion, said he was appalled by the attacks on the town's elderly.

"It is supposed to be a quiet, respectable town where people can walk freely throught the streets," he said.

"Now the most defenceless of people are being targeted but there's nothing much you can do to protect them or stop it happening."

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