Handbag thieves target Chipstead and Kingswood pubs

The bags were stolen from the backs of chairs in the Rambler's Rest in Outwood Lane, Chipstead, and the Kingswood Arms in Waterhouse Lane, Kingswood. Both thefts took place on Monday evening and neither woman had left her bag unattended. Sgt Bex Humber said it was unusual for two such "audacious" thefts to take place on the same night in nearby pubs. Credit cards "We are keeping an open mind about whether this was the same person, a team working together, or perhaps isolated incidents," she said. "It is easy to become distracted when you are out enjoying an evening meal or drink but I would urge people to always be aware of their surroundings and other people who may be standing nearby." The bag stolen in Chipstead contained items worth more than £500, as well as credit cards. The victim in Chipstead lost credit cards, a mobile phone and cash. A possible suspect seen near the victim in the Rambler's Rest is described as white, aged in his late 30s and 6ft tall with brown hair. He was wearing a beige jumper with a red stripe and light jeans.