A SERIAL thief who targeted unsuspecting shoppers is now behind bars.

Karen Edgar from Liverpool was handed an eight month sentence at Halton Magistrates Court on Tuesday after stealing handbags and purses from across Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire.

A spokesman for Warrington Town Centre policing unit said: "The court heard how she had targeted two revellers in a Liverpool City Centre bar, stealing their handbags.

"She was confronted by a switched on doorman who had been tipped off by a member of the public.

"She then travelled to Manchester City Centre several days later.

"This time targeting a pensioner in a city centre Aldi, getting away with the contents of her purse to the tune of £100.

"The following day she made Warrington Town Centre her area of operations, targeting a pensioner in ASDA Cockhedge, stealing her purse containing £25."

Policing authorities work together to secure the conviction and bring the 46-year-old to justice.