POLICE are appealing for witnesses after three thefts took place in the High Street in Ayr.

Between 11am and noon on Saturday, April 1, three elderly females each had their purses stolen, accumulating to a three figure sum of money from their purses.

The first theft of a 73-year-old female, had her purse stolen near to Bon Marche store on the High Street. Her purse was recovered but the money that was missing was a two figure sum.

The second theft was of a 71-year-old female who was near the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and a three figure sum was stolen from her purse, however, the purse has not yet been recovered.

The third theft was of a 76-year-old female was on the High Street and a three figure sum was also stolen from her person.

The police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with any information they have by phoning 101 and asking for either PC Davy Carlyle or PC Stewart Molholand.

Crime Prevention are urging people to be careful when they are out shopping and to keep their bags zipped and to the front of their person. 

They are also advising the public to carry no more money than required.