TWO women have fallen victim to handbag snatches in north Worcestershire.

Both incidents occurred yesterday (Thursday, September 25) - one in Wythall and another in Hagley, in which the victim had her £800 wages taken.

The Wythall incident happened in Silver Street at about 2.30pm. The victim, a woman in her 80s, had just arrived home and put down her bag for a few seconds while she picked up some grass and put it in the bin.

A car drew up across the entrance and one of the occupants leaned out and grabbed the bag.

The victim tried to take it back but was pushed and the offenders drove off with the bag, which contained £50 cash and bank cards.

The vehicle is believed to be a pale blue coloured small car, possibly a Mazda. The occupants were both white and aged 18 to 20. One was a man wearing a baseball cap and the other was a woman with blonde hair in a ponytail.

The victim sustained pain to her wrist and shock, but was not seriously injured.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Tom Clayton at Wythall Police Station on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The Hagley theft happened when a woman stopped at a postbox.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, was sitting in her Renault Megane car looking through the letters she was about to post when the door was opened and the offender grabbed her black Gucci clutch bag, worth £100.

It contained £800 cash as she had just left work after being given her wages.

It happened in Middlefield Lane, Hagley, between 6pm and 6.30pm yesterday.

The offender is described as white, in his late teens, and wearing a baseball cap and dark clothing.

Police are now reminding drivers to keep vehicle doors locked, particularly when stationary, and to keep valuables such as laptops and handbags out of sight.

They are also recommending motorists are vigilant when parked and be aware of people approaching the vehicle.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this theft are being asked to contact the Public Service Desk at Kidderminster Police Station on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.