A man in his eighties reported his wallet containing a winning £120 betting slip and £100 in cash missing while he had been in the Baxtergate area on Tuesday.

The man who was from the Lincolnshire area told police it had been taken at around 4.10pm.

In another incident at lunchtime a pensioner had her red and tan leather purse stolen in New Quay Road.

It contained £90 in cash, credit cards, keys and her bus pass.

Sgt Steve Pearse of Whitby Police said: “We’ve recently had thefts from bags and pockets where purses and wallets have been stolen.

“It would appear in these incidents elderly people have been specifically targeted which just adds to the cruel nature of this type of crime.

“We would urge anyone with a purse or wallet to keep it out of sight or in a zip-up bag.

“Where there is no zip keep your hand on your wallet if possible.”

l Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Whitby Police on (0845) 6060247.