A WOMAN is warning shoppers to be on their guard after her mum had her handbag stolen at a busy store.

Lynsey Fraser took to social media to highlight the incident, which took place at Tesco, in Silverburn, last Wednesday.

There have been a number of similar thefts in the area in recent times.

Mrs Fraser explained: “My mum’s handbag was on the shopping trolley. She was distracted for a few seconds, which was all it took for the individual to snatch it.

“The police were called and the Tesco staff members were lovely and very attentive and looked after my mum. However, the police have informed her she is now the ninth victim of this sort of crime in the past four weeks.

“Please be super vigilant whilst shopping and don’t take your eyes off your belongings.”

A police spokesman said: “We are aware there have been reports of thefts within the Tesco Silverburn area, where we are staging further enquiries.”

A spokesperson for Tesco added that they are working closely with the police to "identify those responsible".