THIEVES distracted a 91-year-old woman and stole her purse while she was shopping.

Doris Henderson, of Claremont, Laindon, had her handbag stolen from her mobility trolley in Iceland, Basildon, after she fell victim to a distraction technique by a pair in the supermarket.

The elderly resident had £105 in cash, her phone, and medication in the bag.

Mrs Henderson fears she may have been targeted due to her age.

The distraction technique saw one woman begin talking to Mrs Henderson, tricking her into focussing on a freezer, while another person sneaked into her trolley, stealing the handbag.

The incident happened at roughly 10.15am.

Mrs Henderson said: “I still had my hand on the trolley handle when it was stolen. This woman distracted me and knew exactly what she was doing.

“I was looking for a lobster, as a present for a friend, and this woman came out of nowhere and started telling me to close the lid.

“I said ‘no, I am looking for something’, then she kept talking to me about this lid.

“Next thing I know, I am at the till and my whole bag had gone.

“I was only in the shop for five minutes, and it is the only time it could have happened.”

Mrs Henderson admitted she had no clue at the time that the thieves had taken her bag.

She said: “I think they may have seen the taxi driver help me out of his taxi outside and I do think they may have targeted me because of my age.

“I really was cross afterwards.

“It was such a shock – you just don’t expect anything like that to happen.

“I just couldn’t believe they had the nerve to go into my trolley, and steal from me while I was standing there.

“The moment I got to the till and didn’t have my money, I knew that was exactly what happened and when it was stolen.”

Despite her frustrations, Mrs Henderson was full of praise for the store, as well as her bank who refunded her the stolen money.

She wanted to issue a warning to fellow residents.

She said: “When I went to the till and realised, immediately the young chap behind the till closed it and went to check the CCTV.

“Unfortunately, it seemed they did not have a camera on that isle, but he did come back and pay for my shopping.

“It was only a loaf of bread but he didn’t have to.

“I am certain I am not the only one – it seemed a well thought out routine so they have probably tricked others too.

“It is sad, but I would warn people to keep their wits about them when they are out shopping.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We received a report of a theft which took place at Iceland in Market Pavement, Basildon on May 22.

"It was reported a woman in her 90s had her handbag stolen from her shopping trolley.

"If you have any information about the incident please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/71451/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."