POLICE are appealing for information after a woman’s purse was stolen during a distraction theft in Altrincham.


At 5.30pm on April 1, the 61-year-old returned to her car after shopping at Tesco, on Manor Road – putting her purse on the passenger seat, before emptying her shopping into the boot.


She was approached by a man who claimed he was lost and asked her where he was.
 

He opened up a map and spread it across the back window.
 

When she told him where he was, he left.


It was at this point she realised her purse had been stolen.
 

The man is described as having olive skin, clean shaven, dark cropped hair, 5ft 6in tall, of slim build, in his 20s and had a scar above his right eye that went down to his cheek.


He wore black suit jacket with a white t-shirt underneath.
 

PC Paul Grundy from Trafford South INPT said: “The man came across friendly and genuinely seemed he was lost.
 

“The victim was trying to be helpful and the thanks she got was for someone to steal her purse.
 

“We believe the man purposely put the map towards the back of the car so she would be distracted while a second person took her belongings.


“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed the theft or feel they have been victim to a similar crime, to contact police.”
 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7530 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.