Pubs and restaurants targeted by handbag thief in Reigate, Banstead and Mole Valley

A prolific handbag snatcher is being sought by police after a spate of thefts were reported by pubs and restaurants across the Reigate, Banstead and Mole Valley areas. Surrey Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to about the thefts, which occurred between Friday, October 22 and Thursday, November 4. All the thefts involved a man who appeared to be talking on his mobile phone before the handbags were stolen. The suspect has been described as white man, aged in his thirties, who is 5ft 11 tall with short brown hair. Detective Constable Karen Bradley said: “He gave the impression he had been stood up or could not see friends he was looking for in order to blend in and not attract suspicion from either staff or his victims. “Naturally when you are enjoying an evening meal or drink with friends it is easy to become distracted but I would urge people to always be aware of their surroundings and other people who may be standing nearby. “Given the number of offences we are still keeping an open mind about whether this suspect is acting alone or whether a team are working together however what is clear is we need the public’s help to identify this suspect.” Among the targeted establishments were: Arkle Manor, Buckland, Yew Tree, Reigate, Black Horse, Reigate, Watermill, Dorking, Fox and Hounds, Tadworth, Gemini restaurant, Tadworth, Heathside, Tadworth and the Spaghetti Tree, Tadworth.