A WOMAN has had her purse stolen while shopping in Asda.

The shopper had her handbag hooked on the back of a trolley by its strap while she went around the Brighton Hill store on September 24.

CCTV from the store showed how the pickpocket bent down near the trolley while holding a jumper on a hanger as a shield.

As the woman turned her head the thief quickly took the opportunity to steal the purse.

PCSO Deborah Doherty has issued advice to shoppers take steps to securing their belongings.

Advice from Hampshire constabulary:

• Make sure your handbag is closed so a pickpocket would find it difficult to get into without you knowing.

• Never leave a bag unattended in a trolley, even if for a couple of seconds.

• Try to keep wallets in an inside pocket and out of sight from a potential pickpocket.

• Keep your PIN number confidential.

• When entering your PIN number at a terminal ensure no one can see you enter it.

• Try to pay for items on a debit card rather than carrying large amounts of cash. If this is not possible keep cash to a minimum.

If anyone has any information regarding the incident they are asked to contact the police on 101.